Renowned neurologist Dr N.C. Borah honoured with two prestigious national awards

By Nava Thakuria*

Renowned physician and healthcare visionary Dr Nomal Chandra Borah, founder of the GNRC Universal Health Mission and the GNRC Group of Hospitals, has been conferred with two prestigious national Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of his transformative contributions to neurology, nursing leadership, and community healthcare over the past five decades.

Dr Borah was recently honoured by the Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN), the apex national body of neurologists, and the Association of Nurse Executive–India (ANEI), the country’s premier organisation representing senior nursing professionals, educators, and administrators.

Commending his extensive research, prolific publications, and role as a mentor and social entrepreneur, the IAN described Dr Borah’s life journey as “monumental for Assam and the nation.” The citation highlighted his integrity, perseverance, and self-belief, noting his pioneering role in establishing the region’s first comprehensive neuroscience centre and in expanding neurological services to previously unreached populations. From humble beginnings, Dr Borah rose to become one of India’s most respected neurologists, contributing significantly to the advancement of neurology and to the growth of the IAN itself.

The ANEI Lifetime Achievement Award, among the highest honours in Indian nursing leadership, recognised Dr Borah as a visionary neurologist and committed social reformer. The citation lauded his initiatives such as GNRC Medireach, Swasthya Mitra, and the GNRC Universal Health Mission, which have focused on delivering affordable healthcare to underserved rural communities. It also acknowledged his role in establishing the Asian Institute of Nursing Education in 2004, which has since emerged as a nationally acclaimed centre for nursing education and leadership.

Dedicating the honours to his patients and their families, as well as to his colleagues, mentors, students, and the entire GNRC family, Dr Borah said, “I remain committed to making healthcare more ethical, equitable, and accessible for all.”

Founded by Dr Borah in 1985 as the Guwahati Neurological Research Centre, GNRC has grown into a leading chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals across Assam and West Bengal. Earlier, Dr Borah received several other major honours, including the Mitali Bhuyan Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (2023), the Lakshminarayan Award (2022), and the Double Helical National Health Award (2017), in recognition of his enduring contributions to affordable healthcare in eastern India.

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*Senior journalist based in Guwahati

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