From Our Correspondent
Tura: Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma on Saturday said that the establishment of a quality medical college in Tura would be a boon for the region in particular and the State in general.
He observed this while visiting the site of the proposed Tura Medical College at Jewilgre A·king located 18 kms from Tura along the Tura-Ampati road.
Dr. Sangma was accompanied by State C&RD Minister Saleng A Sangma and officials of the district administration.
Dr. Sangma informed that an amount of Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned under the
Special Plan Assistance (SPA) for the year 2010-11 and that additional funds would be sanctioned “as and when the need arises.” He added that the entire process taken up as per International Finance Corporation guidelines is almost complete and that the identified consultant would shortly be preparing the DPR for executing the project. “It is the government’s sincere desire that this endeavour fructifies in a time bound manner without any time or cost over run,” he asserted.
To be constructed over 150 acres of land donated by the Chambugong clan, the college would be self sustainable in terms of availability of all basic amenities. “In order to attract quality human resource, the establishment would have all required amenities for the faculty and staff so that they can deliver service to the fullest without having to worry about their own needs and requirements,” Dr. Sangma said while indicating that amenities such as a proper school, commercial complex amongst other amenities would be available in the sprawling complex.
The CM also observed that the site perched atop a hillock was ideal for harnessing green energy.
“The site is suitable for generating green energy and as you can see, solar and wind energy can easily be generated here,” Dr. Sangma told accompanying journalists while adding that the government has already received several expressions of interest by established private players which would be studied and perused in the near future to explore the possibilities.
Another positive aspect of the location for the medical college which would be the first premier medical institution in Garo hills was that it was surrounded by numerous habitations.
“For such an institution to develop and progress, adequate intake capacity and absorption is required by way of people needing medical attention and this institution is expected to render quality medical intervention when the need arises,” stated Dr. Sangma. He elaborated that it would initially have an intake capacity of 200 to 300 outdoor and up to 500 indoor patients.
Agreeing with the Chief Minister on the benefits that would accrue to the people of the area, the A·king Nokma, Harison R Sangma expressed optimism that “with the establishment of such a medical institution, the area in particular, and Garo Hills in general, would reap huge benefits” and assured the Government of all support and assistance to ensure that the project becomes a reality within the stipulated period.