Health Minister, James P K Sangma has informed that the government is on the move to initiate medicine procurement agency to address the problem of medicines shortages in health centres.
Addressing a function to lay the foundation stone for the upgrade of Kharkutta health centre in North Garo Hills today, the minister referred to various initiatives taken to uplift the health sector.
He referred to the digitised payment system for ASHAs to ensure no late payment and partnership with Tamil Nadu to facilitate capacity building of medical professions to address shortage of medical doctors especially specialists
The health minister informed that the state soon would have its own medical college in Shillong to cater to the need of medical professionals and also recruitment board to facilitate timely appointment of medical doctors and nurses.
Sangma said that challenges during the COVID 19 pandemic have led the government to realise the need for better equipped health infrastructures. He said upgrade of PHC to CHC, revamping of sub centers and strengthening infrastructures has been the priority of the government for people to get better health care services.
However, he emphasised that though the government will provide all basic necessities to the people in terms of better health infrastructure, the well being of the people lies in their own hands and urged them to choose a healthy lifestyle.
With the upgrade the health centre at Kharkutta would accommodate four medical specialists, well equipped health services and beds would be enhanced to as many as 30 numbers, he informed.
Kharkutta MLA & Chairman MNREDA, Rupert Momin said the upgradation of Kharkutta PHC to CHC would address the health problems of the people especially the poor section of the society who otherwise could not afford to visit distant private hospitals in neighbouring Assam of either Goalpara or Guwahati.
Momin also informed that earlier there was some setback regarding land procurement for the upcoming Kharkutta CHC but with the voluntary donation of the Headman of Chiwaki, the long cherished dreams of the people would soon see its light.
He stated that many sub centres in the region have been given a facelift and lauded the health department for their active service in maintaining the health centres.
Bajendoba MLA Pongseng Marak, Timothy D Speaker, Deputy Speaker & Resubelpara MLA and R N Sangma, ADC In – Charge Deputy Commissioner, North GAro Hills, Dr S Boro, DM&HO and Philifort Marak, Headman of Chiwaki village also spoke on the occasion.
