GUWAHATI: One of the best-known practising physicians of eastern India, Dr Nomal Chandra Borah, has been honoured with two distinguished national awards recognising his transformative contributions to neurology, nursing leadership, and community healthcare development over five decades. Founder of GNRC Universal Health Mission and GNRC Group of Hospitals, Dr Borah was recently conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards by both the Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN, the apex national body of neurologists that pursues the relentless advancement of neurological research, education, and clinical standards) and the Association of Nurse Executive-India (ANEI, the premier professional body representing senior nursing practitioners, educators, and administrators that continues strengthening nursing governance, promoting professional excellence, and shaping policies for uplifting India’s nursing workforce).
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Commending Dr Borah’s extensive research, prolific publications, and stature as a mentor and social entrepreneur, the IAN termed his breathtaking life story of grit, determination, and service as “monumental for Assam and the nation”, which has emerged as an inspiration for the younger generation to emulate. Dr Borah rose from a humble beginning to become one of the most respected neurologists in the country, contributing exceptionally to the growth and excellence of neurology. IAN’s citation highlights his integrity, self-belief, and perseverance in establishing the region’s first comprehensive neuroscience centre and later expanding neurological services to previously unreached populations.
On the other hand, the ANEI award is among the highest honours in Indian nursing leadership, presented to individuals whose vision and lifelong service deeply influence nursing practice and healthcare delivery nationwide. The ANEI citation lauded Dr Borah as a visionary neurologist and dedicated social reformer, highlighting his pioneering initiatives, including GNRC Medireach, Swasthya Mitra, and the Universal Health Mission, serving affordable healthcare to underserved rural populations. It also acknowledged his role in establishing the Asian Institute of Nursing Education (in 2004), which has developed as an acclaimed centre for nursing education and leadership in the billion-plus nation.
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Dedicating the recognition to the patients and their families, his colleagues, mentors, students, and the entire GNRC family, Dr Borah stated, “I remain committed to making healthcare more ethical, equitable, and accessible for all.” It is mentionable that GNRC (earlier Guwahati Neurological Research Centre) was founded by Dr Borah in 1985, and GNRC Hospitals have since emerged as a leading chain of tertiary-care super-specialty hospitals in Assam and West Bengal. The soft-spoken physician earlier received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Mitali Bhuyan Foundation (2023), the Lakshminarayan Award (2022), and the Double Helical National Health Award (2017) in recognition of his enormous contributions towards affordable healthcare in the far eastern part of Bharat.
(Nava Thakuria is a senior Indian journalist who contributes to various media outlets including print and digital platforms of India and across the world.)