Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh today informed that the state government is awaiting the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) inspection in order to be able to open courses at the new Shillong Medical College from the upcoming academic year.
Responding to a query from opposition leader Dr Mukul Sangma during the Budget Session, Lyngdoh stated that necessary measures are being taken to launch the first batch this year, pending NMC approval. The NMC, a statutory body, replaced the Medical Council of India in 2020.
“All necessary preparations are underway to commence the first batch in the upcoming academic year, pending approval from the National Medical Commission,” Lyngdoh informed the Assembly.
However, Dr Sangma expressed concerns over the project’s clarity, stating that despite the government’s intent to begin the academic session this year, there remains uncertainty about its actual progress.
In response, Lyngdoh assured that the department is actively working to operationalise the medical college. “We have completed affiliation with North Eastern Hill University (NEHU),” she confirmed.
She further informed that the Pasteur Hills facility has been repurposed into an academic block.
“This is a brownfield project, meaning we did not need to establish a new hospital. Instead, we are utilising existing infrastructure and available manpower. Now, we are awaiting the NMC’s inspection,” she added.
