Shillong, September 7: Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) on Monday organised its first Professional Induction Ceremony for Allied Healthcare Professionals at the Asom Kristin Kendra Auditorium, Dhanketi, Shillong, formally welcoming 442 undergraduate and postgraduate students into the healthcare profession.
The ceremony was held in the context of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, which seeks to strengthen standards relating to education, training, registration and professional practice of allied and healthcare professionals in the country.
Addressing the gathering, Meghalaya Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Sampath Kumar stressed the growing importance of allied healthcare professionals in strengthening the healthcare system.
He told the students that their responsibilities go beyond technical competence and require compassion, ethical responsibility, teamwork, professionalism and commitment to the communities they serve. He also said the university’s capacity-building efforts are an asset to Meghalaya and can help meet the growing demand for allied healthcare professionals.
Kumar said students opting for allied healthcare courses are likely to have strong employment opportunities and cited MLCU as an example, noting that almost all of its alumni are currently employed. He also highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare through greater investment in early childhood and adolescent development.
MLCU currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in allied healthcare fields including Medical Laboratory Technology, Optometry, Medical Imaging Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physician Assistant, Surgical and Operation Theatre Technology, Psychology, Medical Social Work and Psychiatric Social Work.
The university said the induction programme was aimed at helping students understand the responsibilities and expectations associated with becoming healthcare professionals while fostering professional identity, ethical practice and commitment to patient-centred and community-responsive healthcare.
MLCU alumni Nancy B. Kharkongor and Balumhunshisha Nongstein also addressed the students and reflected on how the university helped shape their professional skills and careers. They urged students to remain determined in pursuing their chosen professions despite challenges or doubts from others.
Kharkongor is presently working as a Medical Social Worker at the PMR Centre in Shillong, while Nongstein is working as a Microbiologist in the Department of Microbiology at Bethany Hospital.
The ceremony also highlighted MLCU’s commitment to preparing healthcare professionals capable of responding to changing healthcare needs while remaining grounded in ethical practice and service to society.
Dr Rennie O. Lakadong, Chairperson of the State Allied and Healthcare Council; Dr Michelle Lyngdoh, member of the council; and Ewanmihaka Pakma, member of the Allied and Healthcare Educational Board, were among those present.
