Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today handed over the first instalment of Rs 1 crore under Meghalaya Healthcare Advancement Policy (MHAP) to Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital, Jowai.
The total assistance awarded to the hospital is Rs 2 crore. The remaining amount will be released upon submission of the utilization certificate for the first instalment.
Under the scheme, Rs 10 crore has been awarded to five hospitals in the state so far.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s long-term partnership with mission hospitals. “This is not a one-time gesture but a beginning of lasting collaboration. The scheme is flexible—institutions can decide what’s most urgently needed and utilise the funds”.
The event was chaired by Rev. S. Lamare, who expressed gratitude for the support and sought continued assistance for infrastructure and nursing education.
Medical Superintendent Dr. D. Nongpluh, stressed the urgent need for a renal dialysis unit, citing the rise in non-communicable diseases.
The chief minister also announced plans to host a state-level healthcare conference to foster collaboration among government, mission institutions, and healthcare stakeholders.
He also informed that sustained intervention in the health sector, including special thrust to address the high maternal mortality rate, has yielded results, with MMR reduction of over 45 per cent, bringing it down to the national average. “…this success is largely attributed to initiatives like the cm safe motherhood scheme, which ensures real-time monitoring of pregnant mothers in the state”, he added.
He informed that the government is using technology to monitor and track high-risk pregnancies, including addressing concerns in real time.
