SHILLONG, Aug 27: VPP MP from Shillong Ricky AJ Syngkon expressed his ambition on Tuesday for the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) to reach the same level as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), aiming to enhance healthcare services for the state and the region.
During his first visit to NEIGRIHMS since being elected, Syngkon interacted with various healthcare workers, including faculty doctors, resident doctors, nursing groups, and other staff. He stated that his visit was to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by patients and staff alike.
Syngkon highlighted his duty to visit NEIGRIHMS, especially after he had addressed a letter to the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, regarding the institute. He pointed out that several improvements are needed in patient care, particularly concerning the availability of medicines. While Syngkon was pleased to see that state-of-the-art equipment had been procured, he raised concerns about the shortage of medical equipment and supplies. “The shortage of medical equipment and supplies lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, compromising patient outcomes,” the MP said.
He also announced plans for another visit to NEIGRIHMS in the near future, as the director was not present during his recent visit. “I would like to hold discussions on many things which can be done to uplift the overall functioning of the institute,” Syngkon added.
Meanwhile, NEIGRIHMS Medical Superintendent, Dr C Daniala, mentioned that for NEIGRIHMS to achieve the status of an Institute of National Importance (INI), a special act would need to be passed in Parliament. He explained that the institute is currently governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), a stringent regulatory body.
Dr Daniala noted that although NEIGRIHMS holds a status similar to AIIMS, it has not benefited as expected since this status has not been formally passed by Parliament. He stressed that NEIGRIHMS remains under the jurisdiction of the local university and NMC, which imposes strict requirements for the initiation of postgraduate and super-specialty courses.
“But if we (NEIGRIHMS) were autonomous, we could start PG courses and super specialty courses without the need to fulfill the stringent requirement of the National Medical Commission. We can start all these courses like what is happening in AIIMS and JIPMER,” the NEIGRIHMS medical superintendent said.
Syngkon was commended for his attentive listening to the concerns of doctors, nurses, and various workers within the institute, with Dr Daniala noting that Syngkon’s background as a former teacher at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) provided him with a better understanding of the situation.
