From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Aug 29: Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal was amazed by the ayurvedic infrastructure at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
Sonowal inaugurated the academic complex of the IA Ayurvedic Medical College (IAAMC) at USTM on Tuesday. The state-of-the-art medical college houses an advanced research centre, central instrumentation facility and various departments.
Addressing a huge gathering of students, Sonowal said, “I am amazed to see the state-of-the-art facility, a visionary initiative under the leadership of Mahbubul Hoque. I am highly pleased after visiting the sophisticated research lab where scientists are already doing research work.”
“The AYUSH ministry will extend all necessary support to further develop the institution,” he said, while appealing to the research team to focus on extensive studies on medicinal plants of the Northeast region along with teaching-learning and quality healthcare.
USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque; Vice Chancellor GD Sharma and a host of dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The Union minister further said that the expansion of the premier institute could play an instrumental role in furthering the role of traditional medicine in the region. “The vision of the Prime Minister is to develop a healthcare delivery system that is effective and efficient. With the continuous impetus to build and expand capacity for research and build a scientific base for traditional medicine, I believe the IAAMC will play a crucial role towards the achievement of this objective,” he added. Speaking on the occasion, USTM chancellor Hoque said, “Before 2030, all healthcare divisions — allopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy — along with research will exist on the USTM campus.”
Located near the multi-specialty University Hospital of Ayurveda and Naturopathy (UHAN) on the USTM campus, the academic complex of the college has teaching as well as research facilities.
On the other hand, the 100-bed hospital provides facilities such as OPD consultations, medicine, laboratory facilities for routine haematological tests and biochemistry for the paediatric, geriatric and general population.
The hospital on the IAAMC campus is equipped with accident and emergency care private wards, labour room, operation theatre, yoga centre, physiotherapy unit, etc. Investigation facilities such as ECG, USG, X-ray and laboratories are also available.