Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Rural Health Centre (RHC) at Myriaw in the Eastern West Khasi Hills district on Thursday, marking a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility in rural areas.
The event was attended by Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri and Rajya Sabha MP W R Kharlukhi.
During his address, Sangma highlighted the challenges facing the state’s health sector, particularly in rural areas.
He pointed to the infrastructure reforms made over the last seven years to enhance healthcare services and make them more accessible to the state’s rural population.
The chief minister emphasised that the Meghalaya Government is deeply committed to improving healthcare, citing the state’s health sector budget allocation of 9%, the highest in the country.
“This allocation reflects our dedication to transforming the healthcare system in the state,” he said.
The new Rural Health Centre, funded by the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF), received Rs. 38.8 lakh for its establishment, with an additional Rs. 38 lakh set to be released for further development.
The Myriaw RHC will serve 21 villages and is operated by Dr. H.G. Roberts Hospital, Shillong, marking it as the fourth such RHC managed by the hospital in Meghalaya.
Sangma stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and local organizations in improving healthcare.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya government focuses on key infrastructure projects for state development in 2025
“While the government is doing its part, the support from communities and organisations like Dr. H.G. Roberts Hospital is crucial in transforming healthcare accessibility across the state,” he said.
In recognition of the hospital’s efforts, the chief minister announced that the government would extend support to Dr. H.G. Roberts Hospital, Shillong, for the upgradation of their infrastructure, particularly for the installation of Laser Lithotripsy services.
This initiative aims to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide specialized care to the people of Shillong and beyond.