Shillong, Nov 7: The Meghalaya government has reaffirmed its commitment to operationalise the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Hospital in Nongstoiñ before Christmas this year, a promise earlier made by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during the CM-Connect programme at Nongstoiñ.
To ensure the project stays on track, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Sampath Kumar, IAS, conducted a spot inspection of the hospital on November 6. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Directorate of Health Services, district administration, and the health department.
During the visit, the team reviewed the progress of renovation and modification works. Most of the key units—including the OPD, emergency ward, labour room, ICU, NICU, and operation theatre—have been completed, with only minor finishing work left.
A review meeting was also held to finalise staffing, equipment delivery, and other arrangements needed to make the hospital fully functional. Kumar stressed that the hospital must be effectively utilised to improve healthcare access in West Khasi Hills, where maternal and infant mortality rates remain high.
He further highlighted the need to maintain healthcare standards without delaying essential services to the public. Officials also discussed plans to set up a District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) at the hospital to strengthen child healthcare.
As part of the state’s broader effort to reduce maternal and child deaths, the health department is conducting field visits across Meghalaya to identify and address last-mile gaps.
On the same day, the Principal Secretary also visited Umwali village in Mawshynrut Block, accompanied by teams from various departments and local organisations. The visit focused on improving community outreach through Aadhaar enrolment camps, livelihood training for adolescent girls, and awareness programmes on maternal health under the pledge, “No Mother Should Die.”
