Jowai: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday handed over the first instalment of Rs. 1 crore to Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital in Jowai under the Meghalaya Healthcare Advancement Policy (MHAP), marking a significant step in the state’s effort to strengthen not-for-profit healthcare institutions.
The hospital is set to receive a total of Rs. 2 crore in support under MHAP, with the second instalment to be released upon submission of the utilisation certificate for the initial funds.
Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital is among five not-for-profit hospitals selected to receive a cumulative Rs. 10 crore under MHAP, a policy aimed at improving health infrastructure through strategic partnerships with charitable and mission-run medical institutions.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a long-term partnership with mission hospitals across the state.
“This is not a one-time gesture but the beginning of a sustained collaboration. The scheme is designed to be flexible, allowing institutions to prioritise and address their most pressing needs,” he said.
The programme was chaired by Rev. S. Lamare, who expressed gratitude for the financial support and appealed for continued assistance, especially in infrastructure development and nursing education.
Dr. D. Nongpluh, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, highlighted the urgent requirement for a renal dialysis unit, noting a steady rise in non-communicable diseases in the region.
During the event, the Chief Minister also announced plans to organise a state-level healthcare conference aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among government departments, mission hospitals, and other stakeholders in the health sector.
“We must move forward together—share ideas, bridge gaps, and work collectively to improve health services across the state,” Sangma remarked.
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He further shared encouraging progress in addressing maternal mortality, noting a 45% reduction in the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), now brought down to the national average.
He credited this success to targeted initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme, which enables real-time tracking and monitoring of pregnancies, particularly those considered high-risk.
“We’re leveraging technology to intervene early and address health complications during pregnancy, which has helped us significantly lower maternal mortality,” he added.
