Shillong, May 14 : Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today extended the Meghalaya Healthcare Advancement Policy (MHAP) 2024 to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Shillong, releasing development funds of ₹2 crore during a special ceremony. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to bridging critical healthcare gaps and supporting long-serving mission-run hospitals in Meghalaya.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Chief Minister Sangma expressed his gratitude for the dedicated work of mission institutions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state. He proudly stated that Meghalaya allocates over 8.5% of its total budget to healthcare, the highest among all Indian states. He emphasized that this consistent investment is yielding significant results, including a remarkable over 45% reduction in the maternal mortality rate, which has garnered national and international recognition. Assuring continued annual support under MHAP, he told the hospital management, “We are not here just for 2024. This is a partnership for the long term. Your hospital can decide how to utilise the fund whether in infrastructure, ICU equipment, or new facilities, the funds are yours to manage in your wisdom.”
The program, presided over by Rev. S.S. Majaw, Chairman of the Hospital Governing Board, included a detailed briefing by Dr. Kenneth R.L. Nongpiur, Deputy Medical Superintendent, on the MHAP-funded projects. These include the construction of a new adult and pediatric ICU complex, the installation of a solar energy plant for sustainable power, the procurement of essential life-saving equipment, and the formation of a skilled, multidisciplinary care team. The project, estimated at ₹2.95 crore, is slated for implementation over 18–24 months in four phases, encompassing infrastructure development, staff training, service delivery assessment, and research.
Dr. Nongpiur highlighted that the new ICU complex will provide affordable critical care services to newborns, children, and mothers, particularly those from underserved and rural areas. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to subsidized care, assuring that the MHIS (Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme) and the Poor Patient Fund will ensure no patient is denied care due to financial constraints. He also stressed the importance of achieving healthcare equity through sustainable models.
K.W. Marbaniang, Administrative Officer, presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister outlining requests for additional support. These included funding for laser lithotripsy equipment for kidney and ureteral stone treatment, continued assistance for the construction of a new G+5 hospital building, and financial support for the development of the academic complex of the College of Nursing. The Chief Minister acknowledged these proposals and assured the hospital management of positive consideration, reiterating his government’s unwavering support for mission hospitals across Meghalaya.
This significant event underscores the deepening collaboration between the Meghalaya government and the mission healthcare sector, reinforcing the Chief Minister’s vision of an inclusive and accessible healthcare system where public and private entities work in tandem to reach every citizen.
