Shillong, Sep 21: In a boost to maternal and child healthcare in Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed 50-bed annex building at District Maternity & Child Hospital (DMCH), Tura.
The new annex is expected to enhance capacity, reduce overcrowding and improve care for mothers and children in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said saving lives is a collective responsibility and since 2018, the government has accorded top priority to social sector, with health, education and social welfare accounting for nearly one-fourth of the state budget. Education alone gets Rs 3,000-3,500 crore annually, he said.
Stressing on outcome-based spending, the CM said health and education are “sticky subjects” where investments take 5-10 years to show results.
Highlighting achievements, Sangma said Meghalaya has recorded the highest reduction in maternal mortality in the country at 55 per cent, but the goal should be zero maternal and child deaths. He urged health professionals to stay motivated, noting healthcare is not just about prescribing medicines but saving lives.
He said Meghalaya’s Mother and Child Health Model has received national recognition and he has been invited to present it before the Prime Minister. Several healthcare projects are in pipeline under PM-DevINE and further expansion of the hospital is planned, he added.
Additional Chief Secretary Sampath Kumar said investments in hospitals in last 6-7 years are reflecting in human development indicators, adding the objective is to bring both Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to single-digit levels through infrastructure upgrade, community mobilisation involving traditional institutions, strengthening grassroots systems and effective use of referral vehicles.
The CM also launched and distributed Mother & Child Care Kits to beneficiaries on the occasion.
The CM also undertook a day-long visit to Phulbari and Rajabala in West Garo Hills, meeting people in Rongadatgre, Chandigre, Chibinang, Shyamnagar and Bhaitbari villages.
He was accompanied by Phulbari MLA Abu Taher Mondal and Selsella MLA Arbinstone Marak.
People from Demdema and Batabari C&RD Blocks gathered at Rongadatgre as the CM-Connect team registered concerns on the spot for follow-up.
Speaking at the gathering, Sangma said his visits across the state aim to hear people’s concerns directly without intermediaries.
“No voice will go unheard. Our team will note every issue and work to resolve it on a priority basis in a time-bound manner,” he added.
At Chibinang market, residents submitted petitions mainly on roads and connectivity. CM said work orders are being issued to resolve road connectivity in plain belt of Phulbari, Rajabala and New Bhaitbari.
He also inspected ongoing construction of a stadium at Shyamnagar.
