SHILLONG: Fulfilling his commitment to reveal details of new medical colleges after Friday’s cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced the blueprint for three medical colleges in Shillong, Tura, and Ri Bhoi District. Named Shillong Medical College, Tura Medical College, and PA Sangma International Medical College, these institutions aim to revamp the state’s health landscape.
In a recent post on a popular micro-blogging website following a cabinet meeting on Friday, Chief Minister Sangma wrote, “A committee has been formed and a detailed proposal outlining the setup and operationalisation of these colleges is in motion.” The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Snawbhalanag Dhar, Health Minister Ampareen Lyndoh, and Power Minister AT Mondal, among others.
Detailing the plans for Shillong Medical College, Sangma in his post highlighted that the Health Department is actively exploring the utilisation of existing resources such as the Civil Hospital in Shillong and Ganesh Das Hospital, as well as tapping into the pool of specialist doctors and other professionals who could potentially contribute as faculty members.
Stating that the development of Tura Medical College is already in progress, the Chief Minister wrote, “… the Health Department will finalise the function of the Medical College including human resource and are exploring a PPP model through tie up with reputed Medical Institutions to operationalize the Medical College.”
The unique initiative of PA Sangma International Medical College in Ri Bhoi District, undertaken by USTM Meghalaya, brings a mutually beneficial proposal to the table, he said. “The institution is offering free and concessional medical seats to the state’s students and requesting financial support through a repayable loan, with plans to employ the Swiss Challenge mode for assessment,” posted the Chief Minister.
Earlier on Thursday, the Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, during her two-day visit to assess the state’s health status, had reassured the Centre’s unwavering support to Meghalaya’s own medical colleges.
She had said, “The Central government is deeply committed to fostering medical education in Meghalaya and augmenting facilities at NEIGRIHMS. We are prepared to support the forthcoming medical college initiative.”
Dr Pawar had also announced a Rs 150 crore allocation for Meghalaya under the 15th Finance budget to enhance sub-centres and health and wellness centres.
