Meghalaya government spends nearly 9 per cent of its total budget on healthcare, the highest in the country.
This was stated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at a function to inaugurate the Apollo Trinity Medical Centre (ATMC) in Shillong today.
“The health sector has been a priority for our government. From rural healthcare to medical infrastructure, we have made significant progress,” he said.
Emphasising on the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services he highlighted initiatives to improve healthcare in the state, such as the recruitment of 500 doctors, the introduction of solar-powered sub-centers, and the digitisation of medical records.
He acknowledged the need for better diagnostic services and expressed hope that the new centre would help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for citizens who often have to travel outside the state for medical tests and treatments. “This facility will bridge many gaps in our medical ecosystem and bring quality healthcare closer to the people,” Sangma said.
The chief minister acknowledged the challenges in maintaining Shillong’s environment and pledged government support for infrastructure improvements, including cleaning up drains and beautifying the city.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that the medical centre would offer hope to those in need, ensuring that quality healthcare was available within Meghalaya itself.
She spoke of the economic impact of healthcare expenses, pointing out that many local residents, particularly those from economically weaker sections, often had to sell land or assets to afford medical treatments outside the state. She stressed on the importance of having a top-tier medical facility within Shillong to bridge such financial stress.
She also urged local authorities and community leaders to collaborate in supporting the centre, stressing the importance of teamwork between government bodies and private entities and suggested the inclusion of rehabilitation and therapy centre within the ATMC, emphasising that such a facility would aid patients recovering from major ailments like cardiology and oncology-related treatments. She noted that access to follow-up therapies for nearby residents would greatly benefit patients and improve overall healthcare outcomes in the region.
Chief Secretary D P Wahlang urged all stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of healthcare delivery and to ensure that ATMC serves as a beacon of hope and medical excellence in Meghalaya.
East Apollo Hospitals Regional CEO Rana Dasgupta underscored Apollo’s focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the importance of early diagnosis. He emphasised patient-centric care, quick diagnostic reports, and high-quality treatment as the centre’s priorities.
The ATMC is equipped with advanced diagnostic services, including ECG, TMT, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests (PFT), ultrasound, X-ray, dental care, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and an integrated lab linked with Apollo Diagnostics. The radiology department is connected to Apollo TeleRadiology International, ensuring expert consultations and reports.
In the second phase of expansion, the centre plans to introduce dialysis, endoscopy, CT scans, and MRI services. A dedicated patient app will be launched for appointment bookings, home sample collections, and access to digital medical records, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.
The centre also aims to offer telemedicine consultations with top Apollo specialists from Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, further expanding access to expert medical advice.
