Ampati: A new Urban Health & Wellness Centre (UHWC) was inaugurated at Upper Damalgre in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district, under the Rerapara C&RD Block, on Tuesday.
The facility was launched by Subir Marak, MLA of Rangsakona Constituency and Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industry Commission.
This marks the district’s 6th UHWC funded under the 15th Finance Commission and adds to six others inaugurated last year, which are already operational.
The centre is set to serve a population of around 3,000 residents from six surrounding villages, providing critical healthcare services closer to home.
The UHWC will offer outpatient department (OPD) services and will be staffed by a Medical & Health Officer, Staff Nurse, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), and support personnel.
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Services include monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and haemoglobin levels.
Periodic health camps will also be organised at the centre and in nearby villages.
Additionally, the centre plans to introduce a weekly polyclinic, featuring specialists such as dental surgeons, gynaecologists, and orthopaedics, based on local needs.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Guest Subir Marak highlighted the free diagnostics and treatment services available at the UHWC, urging residents to take full advantage. He stressed the importance of the tuberculosis elimination campaign and encouraged symptomatic individuals to get screened and tested.
Marak also addressed pressing health concerns such as mental health issues and substance abuse, advising families to seek counselling and treatment at the centre.
He called for collective efforts to maintain the health facility and ensure its efficient use for the benefit of the community.
Additional Deputy Commissioner T K Sangma congratulated the local community on the new facility.
She emphasised the importance of services like immunisation and institutional deliveries in reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
Sangma also urged health staff to work diligently in serving the region.
The event included speeches from the District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO), local Nokma, and community leaders, who expressed optimism about the centre’s potential to improve healthcare access and outcomes in the area.
With the opening of the new Urban Health & Wellness Centre, the South West Garo Hills district continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure, ensuring essential services reach the most remote areas and supporting healthier communities across Meghalaya.
