By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has maintained that Meghalaya’s budgetary allocation to the health sector is the highest in the country.
Addressing a programme at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) to celebrate the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) approval for PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) on Saturday, the chief minister acknowledged challenges in the state’s healthcare sector but, at the same time, noted significant improvements.
Congratulating USTM on this achievement, Conrad expressed gratitude to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, the Health Ministry and its officials for their support.
In his address, Conrad also recalled the struggles and perseverance, leading to the approval of the 150-seat medical college.
“I was part of this process in 2008 when the USTM Bill was passed, and the current USTM stands as a testament to teamwork, values and leadership,” the chief minister said.
“PA Sangma believed in investing in youth, and that the greatest investment a government can make is in its youth because the results of such investments are unlimited,” he added.
He noted the inspirational lives of Meghalaya’s political leaders like PA Sangma and Don Kupar Roy, who, Conrad added, overcame life’s adversities.
Recalling stories from his mother, Soradini K Sangma, about his father’s early life, Conrad said, “The lives of PA Sangma and Dr. Don Kupar Roy can inspire younger generations. It is important that today’s youth not only remember their legacy but learn from their humble beginnings, their humility and the values and the principles these leaders stood for.”
Conrad said despite the challenges in Meghalaya’s health sector, the same has seen a significant improvement.
“The government believes that saving even one life matters and providing basic health services is essential. Therefore, the health sector’s budgetary allocation in the state is large, making it the highest budgetary allocation in the country,” the chief minister remarked, outlining the state government’s initiatives to improve health infrastructure, services, equipment, human resources, training, medicine distribution and the use of technology.
Congratulating USTM on its achievements and growth, he urged the university to uphold quality and hard work as benchmarks.
Earlier, USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque announced plans to establish a dental college in memory of former chief minister, Don Kupar Roy.
Others who were part of the programme include Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Power Minister AT Mondal, MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, et al.
