The Tura Government Medical College project has reached 75% completion in terms of construction, according to Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
The project, situated on 99 acres of land donated by a local clan, has received a total financial sanction of Rs 189 crore, including Rs 170.10 crore from the Government of India and Rs 19 crore from the state government.
So far, Rs 185.65 crore has been released to the Project Management Consultant (PMC), with Rs 178.66 crore allocated to contractors. The financial progress stands at 81 per cent of the total administrative approval amount of Rs 234.89 crore.
Addressing concerns raised by opposition legislator Dr. Mukul Sangma during the budget assembly session, Lyngdoh clarified that the 75 per cent completion status refers to the physical progress of the academic and accommodation blocks. Specifically, the academic block has reached 75 per cent completion, while various residential quarters range from 20 per cent to 99 per cent completion. The girls’ and boys’ hostels stand at 55 per cent the retaining wall at 85 per cent and the boundary wall (1.65 km) at 30 per cent.
Dr. Sangma emphasised the significance of the project in transforming healthcare and medical education in the region. He sought clarity on the teaching hospital’s readiness, particularly in terms of bed capacity, which is crucial for regulatory approval.
Lyngdoh explained that, as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, a 100-seat medical college requires a minimum of 420 hospital beds. However, at the time of planning, the Tura Civil Hospital and the Maternity & Child Hospital had only 250 beds combined. To meet the requirement, 50 additional beds were added to the MCH, and 180 more beds are being introduced at Tura Civil Hospital.
Dr Sangma urged the government to ensure the timely completion of the project so that the first MBBS session could commence, even before the teaching hospital is fully operational. Drawing from his experience at RIMS, he pointed out that medical colleges have started academic sessions without fully functional teaching hospitals in the past.
Lyngdoh assured the House that the government is determined to fast-track the project while adhering to NMC norms. She emphasised that the administration is working diligently to ensure that the Tura Medical College becomes operational by the 2026-27 academic session.
Lyngdoh assured that the government will make the project a reality and said that efforts are underway to secure NMC approval through a spot inspection.
