SHILLONG, Feb 19: Jaintia Hills is not likely to be bestowed with a medical college any time soon, according to the government.
Speaking at the Assembly session here on Tuesday, UDP MLA from Mookaiaw, Nujorki Sungoh expressed concern over the ‘poor’ health infrastructure in Jaintia Hills region.
He inquired if the government has plans for a medical college in Jaintia Hills.
Responding to him, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh told the House that there is no proposal at present for a medical college in the Jaintia Hills region, but expressed hope to have one someday.
“One day, I hope we see a medical college in Jowai. I cannot make that commitment as it is a huge commitment,” the health minister said.
She also disagreed with the claims of the MLA, who termed the health infrastructure in the region as poor.
Nujorki also urged the government to consider setting up a primary health centre (PHC) at Psiar, located along the interstate border with Assam, and pointed out that the village has already donated four acres of land for the purpose.
The Health minister also announced that the government has plans to install an advanced radiology system in Civil Hospital, Jowai.
It may be mentioned that the state government has floated a tender for Shillong Medical College, while the Tura Medical College is under construction.