Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced that nearly 9% of the state’s budget is now allocated to the medical and health sector, marking a significant commitment to healthcare. Speaking at the inauguration of the Babies’ Critical Care Unit at Ganesh Das Government Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shillong, Sangma noted that this allocation might be among the highest in the country, reflecting the state’s prioritization of health services.
The newly inaugurated unit, operational since May 1, 2024, is the first government facility in Meghalaya offering specialized care for newborns and mothers. It features a 30-bed complex equipped with a Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Mother-Newborn Care Unit (MNCU). Funded through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (PMJAY-MHIS), the unit is designed to handle high-risk pregnancies and provide intensive care for newborns.
During the event, the Chief Minister outlined plans to operationalize Shillong Medical College by 2025, with the first batch of MBBS students expected to begin their studies by then. Tura Medical College is also on track to become functional by 2026. “I am hopeful that within the next couple of years, we will have our two medical colleges started. This will significantly impact the overall health scenario in our state,” Sangma said.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who was also present, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing top-tier healthcare, including cashless treatment, and addressing issues faced by contractual health staff. She also encouraged doctors from the state to return and serve in Meghalaya, ensuring that high-quality medical services are accessible to all, particularly in rural areas.
