Jowai, Nov 29: The Pdengkarong Sub-Centre was inaugurated at Pdengkarong village in West Jaintia Hills District yesterday, which was funded under the PM-ABHIM (NHM) for the year 2021–2022 at Rs 55.50 lakh.
The land was voluntarily provided by the village to enable the Department of Health & Family to strengthen healthcare services for the villages of Pdengkarong, Amsyrwai, Amralang, and other nearby areas of War Jaintia.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui who attended the inauguration function said the sub-centre stands as a strong example of community participation, as the government decided not to engage private contractors but entrusted the construction work to the Village Health & Sanitation Committee. He expressed satisfaction that despite the modest budget, the project was completed efficiently, and a portion of the sanctioned amount remained as surplus, reflecting proper utilisation of public funds.
He urged residents to make full use of the services available at the centre, including consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines, and advised against self-medication, which has contributed to lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and kidney ailments in the region. He also called for cooperation between the public and healthcare workers.
Rymbui informed that the Amlarem Constituency presently has 11 Sub-Centres, in addition to PHCs, CHCs, dispensaries and a Sub-Divisional Hospital, and added that there is a growing need for new Sub-Centres in Amlarem Shyiap Amlanai, Jong-U-Chen and Hawai-Bhoi to further improve access to healthcare in remote areas.
The Minister also highlighted the development initiatives in the region and informed that the government plans to upgrade road connectivity in areas including Amlarem–Nongtalang, Pdengshakap, Amkhlew, Pdengkseh and Pdengkarong, as well as the road stretch from Darang to Shnongpdeng up to Amkoi. However, he pointed out that progress has been delayed due to difficulties in acquiring land from some landowners, despite the government’s readiness to allocate Rs 20–30 crore as compensation.
West Jaintia Hills District Medical & Health Officer Dr. P. Shylla, Kolmen Pohshna, former Headman of Pdengkarong, Jamshaphrang Pohtam, MDC War-Central, Medling Swer, MDC War-East, Anendya Raahsshre, Sub-Divisional Officer, Amlarem Civil Sub-Division and Dr. F. Lamin, Medical & Health Officer-in-Charge, Jarain PHC were present on the occasion.
