TURA, Oct 25: The Seventh Day Adventist Church, New Tura has clarified on several reports and claims in the social media with regard to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Jengjal operated by it under Garo Hills Adventist Mission Nursing Home.
Clarifying with regard to allegations against the centre, the Church said, “The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been operating a 15-bed Nursing Home in Jengjal since 2018 providing quality medical services in the Garo Hills region and beyond. In response to a tender notice issued by the National Health Mission (NHM), Government of Meghalaya in July 2021, we along with other parties, had also bid for providing health care services at the PHC, Jengjal under Public Private Partnership mode. The Government of Meghalaya has proposed to upgrade the present Jengjal PHC to a Sub Divisional Hospital (SDH) with an objective to provide specialized health care as a referral hospital completely free of cost like any other Government hospitals to a larger population in Garo Hills. Based on the technical strength and potential for enhancing specialized care we had qualified in the bid. This agreement will be temporary for the period of 5 (five) years. There is no intention from the Adventist Church to take over the PHC Jengjal by any disputable means,” it said.
With regard to the alleged false reports in the social media, the Church said, “In reference to the various social media reports, we understand the sentiments and prerogatives of theTe·gite Mahari and have firmly stated to the NHM, Government of Meghalaya that the process of handing over will only be accepted after an amicable settlement is reached between the landowners and the NHM, Government of Meghalaya. We also state that any current developments, like road construction at the PHC, Jengjal site, has not been undertaken by the leaders of the Adventist Church and there has been no FIR filed for the same as stated in the social media,” it added, while appreciating the people of Jengjal and the Garo Hills in general for their support.