Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma noted a significant reduction in Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate (MMR) while inaugurating the new Operation Theatre Complex at the Sohra Community Health Centre (CHC) in Saitsohpen on Wednesday.
He said the decline was the result of sustained efforts to address root causes and strengthen interventions at the grassroots level.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who also laid the foundation stone for the Sohra Market Phase-II project, described the transformation of the Sohra CHC as “inspiring” and a model for other health facilities in the state.
He said the progress demonstrated what could be achieved with purpose-driven work and sustained commitment.
Sangma announced that the state government has approved the rollout of Outcome Based Budgeting, under which departments will receive funds aligned with needs and performance.
The Health Department will be the first to implement the new system, which he said is designed to improve accountability and ensure resources address local issues effectively.
The chief minister said the new market complex would support economic activity in Sohra, a key tourist destination, and create opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
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He encouraged young people to utilise government schemes to start their own ventures.
He also informed that the World Bank has taken up the upgrade of the Umtyngar–Mawsmai road, terming it a major investment aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure.
Sangma added that improved health services are essential for both residents and visitors, noting that the expanded facilities at the Sohra CHC will reduce the need for patients to travel to Shillong for surgeries or emergency procedures.
The new OT Complex, he said, will ease financial and logistical burdens for families while enhancing the region’s overall healthcare capacity.
