By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 5: Eschewing all the past setbacks, the state government has set a 2025 target to make the much-vaunted Shillong Medical College operational.
“We should have Shillong Medical College operational by at least 2025; that is the first target we have set upon ourselves though it is a tough target, let us see,” said Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday.
Talking about the way forward, the minister said that a proper plan for the college’s infrastructure is to be prepared.
On previous delays, she said, “We were hanging fire because of various problems. The land belongs to public; that itself created a lot of problem, besides location, distance, backwardness; these are all inherent challenges in the state”.
Admitting that hurdles persist with regard to infrastructure for Tura Medical College, Lyngdoh said the government will begin allocation of funds so as to ensure the hiccups are resolved. “…we have said that Ri-Bhoi will also have a private institution for the simple reason that they are already starting a medical college and because we need the seats, we need to increase the college of doctors in the state,” she said.
Presuming that USTM, which is a private institution, provides at least 40 seats by the beginning of 2025, the minister said that this could benefit the state greatly.
“Look at the controversy over the seats of just 94. We would like to increase that and this is what we are looking at. That is a real commitment and we have a plan in place,” she added.
Stating that she foresees Shillong Medical College to be operational very quick, she revealed that Human Resource is the biggest challenge.
“We are already tied up with NEIGRIHMS to allow our doctors to go for senior residency immediately. Maybe we will also have to talk to Guwahati medical college or any other college nearby to enable our doctors to become faculty and qualify the norms of teaching. They will be teaching doctors. Many of the doctors are already submitting their names,” she added.
Pointing out that Senior Residency or SR-ship spans over one year, which is the first prerequisite, she said, “One year will pass just like that. In the meanwhile, we will work on other agenda that will make us qualify to also start rolling out the process of application”.
With regard to USTM’s role, she said the institute has sought loan of Rs 200 crore for which it will provide the 40 seats. “Those modalities are being designed and worked out. MoUs have to be signed. As of today, the USTM is the only institution which likely has a very operational medical college in a very short period of time,” she added.