CM treasures role of Babina Group, inaugurates 200-bedded hospital
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 04 2024: Chief minister N Biren has inaugurated the 200-bedded BABINA Hospital (A multispecialty Hospital), on Sunday at Sajiwa Jail Road, Khabeisoi, Imphal East.

After inaugurating the hospital, CM Biren toured the hospital, accompanied by Babina Group chairman and MD Dr Th Dhabali, health minister Dr S Ranjan, Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar, and NEDFi general manager RE Zeliang.

Speaking as chief guest, Biren commended BABINA Group's BABINA Diagnostics (BD) for being at the forefront of medical diagnostics in the Northeast for over four decades.

Stating that he had been associated with BABINA Groups for quite some time, prime factor for the opportunity to inaugurate majority of the units of the company, the CM said it is a source of pride for all that BABINA Diagnostics is the first laboratory in the Northeast to be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in 2007 .

He said the Chief Minister's Hak-shelgi Tengbang (CMHT) was conceived and implemented to ensure people of the state have access to health services without worrying for the treatment cost.

The chief minister also expressed that competition among private healthcare providers has led to improvement in the state's healthcare sector.

Regarding the crisis in the state, Biren stated that the situation has somewhat stabilised with public support and emphasised the need for unity among the people to work towards peace and tranquillity in the state.

He also highlighted the importance of continuing all development programmes and activities despite the crisis.

"Despite various issues, we cannot halt developmental work but must be sustained under any circumstance".

Biren further shared the government's plan for tourist attraction with a project cost of around Rs 126 crore in and around Loktak lake, Rs 600 crore Lamphelpat Rejuvenation Project and around Rs 36 crore project for beautification of water bodies in Waithou.

He announced that cable car will be introduced in Ibudhou Marjing Hill for the first time in the state.

Concrete road construction in greater Imphal have begun with the funding of around Rs 3500 crore, he added.

Mentioning about initiatives of the government for the Internally Displaced People (IDP), the CM said that around 6061 residents have been provided skilled training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, and around 2500 are in process of getting jobs.

He also mentioned financial assistance to MSMEs worth Rs 700 crore under MSME ministry.

Expressing concern over the recent incidents of extortion, Biren said that several groups are involved in many illegal activities taking advantage of the crisis.

These groups are causing disturbances to the operation and activities of government departments, educational institutions, businesses, companies and traders.

The government took a soft approach considering the volatile situation in the state but the situation has reached Home ministry.

In case such incidents continue to happen, the government will take up necessary steps to tackle, he said while urging all concerned not to disturb the business and private sectors.

Earlier, while delivering the keynote address, Dr Th Dhabali remarked that BABINA Diagnostics, the group's flagship unit, has been a leader in medical diagnostics in the Northeast for nearly four decades.

He reflected on the remarkable journey, emphasising the significant evolution of medical diagnostics and the organisation.

From offering basic diagnostic tests to becoming a multi-disciplinary diagnostic centre, BABINA Diagnostics has embraced the transition to a digital, data-driven science.

He also.expressed pride in the organisation's ability to adapt to changing times and provide the best diagnostic solutions to those in need.

BABINA Hospital, a multi-specialty hospital is designed to provide comprehensive care across a wide range of specialties, featuring cutting-edge facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with the latest technology.

The hospital is supported by a team of well-trained, qualified, and experienced staff.

Dedicated to meet the diverse health needs of the community, BABINA Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for a brighter, healthier future.

Elaborating on the journey of BABINA Group, Dr Dhabali reflected on the early days of BABINA Diagnostics.

In 1983, when it took its first tentative steps towards enhancing medical laboratory services in the state, they could not have foreseen that it would grow into one of the largest diagnostic centres in the country.

Over the past 40 years, he said, BABINA groups has diligently built a brand now synonymous with quality and innovation.

Despite numerous changes, certain constants remain at BABINA: a steadfast commitment to high-quality service and adherence to core values of excellence in everything, reliability, and client-centric service.

He added that, given the socio-economic conditions in the Northeast, BABINA is dedicated to providing affordable facilities and strives to offer the broadest range of services to ensure accessibility for all.

Dr Dhabali also said that in 2020, realising the need for a comprehensive dedicated cancer hospital in the state, BABINA Group extended from diagnostic healthcare services to a cancer care hospital in collaboration with the American Oncology Institute.

"Today, we are thrilled to announce the formal launch of the BABINA Multispecialty Hospital, featuring modern infrastructure and the latest generation equipment, supported by a team of dedicated, qualified, and experienced staff".

He mentioned that BABINA Group recognised the need for a quality hotel in Manipur and expanded from healthcare to hospitality in 2007.The Classic Hotel was completed by the end of 2009 and inaugurated on November 9.In August 2010, it became the first Three-Star Hotel in Manipur.

He also highlighted significant achievements with its ventures like management of Hotel Imphal under a PPP model, Sendra Tourist Lodge, and Classic Grande, the state's first four-star hotel inaugurated in November 2015 with 171 rooms.

In 2021, they partnered with the Radisson Hotel Group, marking the first international partnership for a hotel in the region.

He also said that the organisation has also some upcoming projects which include Nursing and Paramedical Institute, Wellness Centre and Staff's apartment.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Classic Group of Hotels, dedicated to providing services and accommodations in Manipur.

The group is also developing a 5-star hotel currently under construction, he added.

He emphasised their growth to over 1,200 staff, nearly 300 times their initial number.

With this support, he expressed confidence that BABINA Group will continue to achieve excellence.

Their focus remains on strengthening the brand and providing exceptional service.

As part of the inaugural function, a booklet titled "BABINA - 40 Years Journey" was released by the CM along with honouring nine members of the construction team.

A voluntary blood donation camp was also organised in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Imphal East where altogether 15 blood donors donated blood.

Babina Hospital medical superintendent Dr Shyamkumar Laishram and general manager Kh Jayanta were also present at the launch event.

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