SHILLONG: The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) is set to get 50 additional MBBS seats at the institute.
After assessing the various facilities available at the super speciality institute, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, who is one a two-day visit to the state to take stock of the health scenario in the state, said, “Commencing next year, we will be augmenting the seat count by 50, elevating NEIGRIHMS’ capacity to a total of 100 MBBS seats.”
She further informed that the Centre has thus far allocated a substantial budget of approximately Rs 600 crore for the development of NEIGRIHMS, encompassing the expansion of both the medical and nursing colleges. “In the preceding year, the allotment was Rs 480 crore, and this fiscal year, it has been amplified to Rs 528 crore. This consistent increment illustrates the Centre’s commitment,” she affirmed.
Assuring the Union government’s full support to the state in establishing its own medical colleges, the Union Minister further added, “The government is resolutely dedicated to supporting the establishment of medical colleges, in tandem with the strengthening of NEIGRIHMS. Our assistance will extend to the upcoming medical college as well.” She further added that to bolster sub-centers and health and wellness centers, the Central government earmarked Rs 150 crore for Meghalaya under the 15th Finance budget.
Urging proactive preparedness for future pandemics, Dr Bharati informed of the Rs 64,000 budget sanctioned under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission for the entire country, Meghalaya is set to receive Rs 150 crore over the next four years for this mission. Affirming the Centre’s continued support to the northeastern states, she announced her upcoming review visit to the aspirational East Jaintia Hills district.
Earlier on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, while announcing that significant resolutions are slated to be unveiled in the forthcoming Cabinet meeting on Friday, had said that the government is gearing up to announce plans concerning the establishment of three medical colleges in the state.
“We’ve been dedicatedly laying the groundwork for several months now. The initiative began during our previous term. However, in a couple of days, we’re set to roll out some substantial declarations. Following the Cabinet’s approval, the health minister will formally share these updates,” Sangma was quoted as saying in the press.
