First regional conference on health in NE kicks off in city
SHILLONG, April 25: The first regional conference on health in the Northeast began on Thursday at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) with the theme ‘Advancing Health Equity: Bridging the Gaps,’ organised by the National Lutheran Health and Medical Board (NLHMB) in collaboration with the Department of Allied Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, MLCU, and the Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong. The conference aims to unite researchers and civil society to tackle urgent health issues in the region. The morning session opened with a welcoming address by Executive Director of NLHMB and Chancellor of MLCU, Dr Glenn C Kharkongor, setting the event’s tone by stressing collaborative efforts to advance healthcare equity. Conference Chairperson Dr Larilin Kharpuri then outlined the conference’s objectives. Chief guest Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare department, shared insights into the government’s healthcare vision for the region, emphasising challenges like geographical terrain and accessibility. The day progressed with discussions on health topics such as malaria epidemiology, cancer incidence, and food safety practices, culminating in a panel discussion on vaccination challenges and solutions. The upcoming sessions slated for Friday will delve into innovative healthcare delivery approaches and equitable health outcomes in Northeast.
After mishap in Ballonggre, Forum wants curbs on trucks
TURA, April 25: In the aftermath of a major accident that led to a minor girl sustaining major damage to one of her legs on April 20 at Ballonggre in Tura, the New Tura Development Forum (NTDF) has sought the imposition of restrictions on the movement of heavy trucks through the PA Sangma Road with immediate effect. The Forum sought that fixed timing be put in place for the entry and exit of the heavy trucks on the Tura town roads for the safety of school-going students as well as senior citizens. The Forum also suggested the set-up of checking and stoppage points at alternate places of entry and exit of the vehicles to and from the greater Tura Town area and its adjoining areas. Besides, the Forum also requested that an appropriate compensation amount be provided for the victim of the recent mishap and that the medical expenses incurred by the family be reimbursed. Earlier on Monday, combined organisation from Garo Hills, following the road mishap, had also called on the district administration to change the timing of entry for heavy trucks as well as certain mechanisms for its regulation to be put in place.
Relocation of cattle markets to pose big challenge: Hek
SHILLONG, April 25: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, AL Hek, has made it clear that relocation of the cattle markets in Byrnihat and Khanapara would be a big challenge for the state government. Stating that Meghalaya is a very small state, Hek said that the factor of viability will also have to be considered. The High Court of Meghalaya had earlier had asked the state government to look into the relocation of livestock markets from borders in the state, after hearing a petition on non-adherence to a particular norm in Rule 8 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017. According this rule, livestock markets are required to be situated a certain distance away from any international or state border. Meanwhile, Hek also maintained that it is the collective job of the customs, police and the BSF to ensure that smuggling of cattle does not take place along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.