SHILLONG, Oct 15: The Health department is preparing a Cabinet memo to discuss the details of the proposed PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital at USTM, which is expected to begin its academic session soon.
The university has already announced 40 seats for Meghalaya and has requested an interest-free loan of Rs 233 crore from the state government.
Reacting to this development, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that there are certain procedures involved in setting up committees, defining the process for seat selection, and sponsoring aspirants from the home state. “All these procedural aspects, including reservations, sponsorship, etc., must go to the Cabinet. We will have to follow all procedures that can withstand legal scrutiny,” Lyngdoh said.
Clarifying that the issue of Meghalaya, as the home state, getting maximum opportunity from the proposed medical college and hospital does not arise, the Health minister noted that the state still stands to benefit significantly from the institution. She added that the announcement of 40 seats by USTM must be examined by the committee.
“We will inform the Chief Minister to guide us on the matter, as time is limited,” she said, noting that no Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the state and the university. A Cabinet memo has been prepared to seek further direction from the Cabinet.
Lyngdoh also pointed out that there are certain modalities and directives from the Union Government that the state must follow to comply with national norms.
Regarding the long-delayed Shillong Medical College and Hospital, she mentioned that the only remaining step is finalising the service rules, which are being prepared by the Personnel department. Additionally, the application for affiliation with NEHU for the Shillong Medical College and Hospital has already been completed.
