Health min reviews projects in Ri-Bhoi

NONGPOH, May 8: In what could expedite two health projects in Ri-Bhoi hanging fire, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Monday conducted an inspection of the Maternity and Child Hospital (MCH), Umran Parila, and the General Nursing and Midwifery Institute at Pahamsyiem to review their progress and facilitate their completion.
Speaking to media persons after the inspection, the Health minister said that although the construction of the MCH was almost complete, there were issues related to power and water supply which need to be addressed. These issues could slow down the operational capacity of the hospital, she added.
A review of the matter will be taken on July 28 after certain deadlines given to various departments like MeECL and PHE.
Lyngdoh also highlighted the importance of the trauma centre at Nongpoh, which is strategically located near the highway, while emphasising that the service would be of great benefit to the people of Meghalaya.
She, however, pointed out a few hiccups with the trauma centre, which was previously used as a COVID centre and currently houses the DM&HO’s office.
A new facility for the DM&HO office is slated to be completed in December, which will free up space for the trauma centre.
The physical progress of the DM&HO office is at around 55 to 60 per cent, Lyngdoh informed, adding that the facility is expected to be completed in the next two to three months.
As soon as the DM&HO office is shifted to its new location, work on the operation theaters would begin. The trauma centre will have two operation theaters, whereas the ramps are more or less ready, and equipment will be tendered at the earliest without waiting for the building to be completed.
Notwithstanding the several hurdles, the Health minister hoped that these issues would be resolved in due time and the trauma centre would be operational before Christmas this year.
Meanwhile, she also announced that the old facility at the Civil Hospital Nongpoh would function directly at the MCH as the latter is a specialised centre.
Others who were also present include Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Mayralborn Syiem, MLA of Umsning, Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, Arpit Upadhyaya, and DM&HO of Ri-Bhoi, Dr P Kharnarry.