‘Upcoming med training centre to address needs of healthcare sector’

TURA, May 14: The PA Sangma Medical Skill Hunar Hub, an upcoming medical training centre funded by the Centre, can address the needs of the Meghalaya’s healthcare sector.
This was said by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in his address during the base-laying ceremony for the construction of the PA Sangma Medical Skill Hunar Hub at Dumindikgre, near Babadam in West Garo Hills.
The chief minister, after laying the foundation stone, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi for the project.
Reiterating that the MDA government has accorded priority to the healthcare sector, the chief minister said that the medical training centre has the potential to address the needs of the state’s healthcare sector.
Conrad also reminisced about the hurdles that Meghalaya was faced with along with the rest of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The state had to endure shortage of medical staff and nurses due to increased patient intake in health facilities during the pandemic period. Acknowledging the requirement to take preparatory steps to strengthen the manpower needed to manage similar situations in the future, the present government had envisioned setting up such medical training facilities in the state,” the chief minister informed.
“We need to ensure that ample importance is given to the health sector so that in the future we are able to provide proper health services to the people and even if challenges and pandemics like COVID-19 come in the times ahead, we, as a state and a country, are prepared to face those challenges,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the project, funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, is being implemented through the Social Welfare department. The centre, once completed, will impart training in the field of nursing and paramedics.
The PA Sangma Medical Skill Hunar Hub, which is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 150 crore, includes construction of a 300-bedded multi-specialty hospital, one nursing college, one pharmaceutical college, one paramedical college, one skill development centre along with hostels for accommodation.
Health Minister James PK Sangma, who was also part of the programme, enlightened the gathering about the reforms initiated in the healthcare sector.
He informed that the medical training centre will be a crucial support system for various manpower requirements as envisioned under the Meghalaya State Health Policy.
Inspections
The chief minister, during the day, also inspected the ongoing work of the PA Sangma Integrated Sports Complex in Tura.
“Through constant follow-ups, we are committed to ensure the completion of this project,” he said.
Conrad had also inspected the progress of the Track and Field Stadium in Tura.