Shillong, February 6 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today launched the health shuttle service of P.A. Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC) in the presence of Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and USTM Chancellor M Hoque.
The shuttle service is designed to provide pre-hospital transportation for patients and their attendants, improving access to quality medical care for both rural and urban communities.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Sangma commended PIMC for this initiative. He said, “This is a unique and much-needed intervention by PIMC. Despite the challenges of setting up a medical college, the institution has taken proactive steps to improve healthcare accessibility. The Health Shuttle service will not only benefit rural communities but also strengthen the healthcare network in Shillong and beyond.”
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasized the significance of such initiatives in addressing the challenges of healthcare accessibility. “Transport remains a critical barrier in accessing timely medical care,” she said. “The introduction of these shuttle services will provide a structured approach to patient mobility, especially for those from underserved regions.”
The health shuttle service will initially operate with ten vehicles, five dedicated to rural areas and five serving urban regions, including Shillong. Two urban shuttles will be operational within Shillong initially, with plans to expand the service based on demand. To further enhance accessibility, PIMC plans to introduce a mobile application for convenient booking of transport services.
Through this initiative, PIMC aims to solidify its commitment to serving the community by ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare for all.
