SHILLONG, Nov 28: The government has set the ball rolling for the Pynursla Community Health Centre (CHC) to be upgraded to a sub-divisional hospital with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong laying the foundation stone for the project in the presence of Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and other officials at Pynursla CHC in East Khasi Hills on Thursday.
On the day, the First Referral Unit (FRU) at Pynursla CHC was also inaugurated.
Speaking as the chief guest, Tynsong expressed the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities across Meghalaya, highlighting that the upgrade of Pynursla CHC to a sub-divisional hospital will notably improve healthcare access for the local population and those in surrounding areas. “This move is in line with the state government’s priority to improve health facilities, which ranks second in the budget allocation after education and infrastructure development,” he said. He urged all stakeholders and the public to cooperate in addressing health challenges and improving the overall healthcare scenario.
Tynsong also emphasised the importance of good health and acknowledged the tireless work of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, especially in rural areas. He encouraged the residents of Pynursla to register for the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and link it with their Aadhaar cards to avail themselves of government health benefits. He urged the public to overcome superstitious beliefs and embrace positive change for the development of the area.
Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the crucial role of the newly upgraded sub-divisional hospital in providing better healthcare services to the people. She explained that the hospital will offer both In-Patient and Out-Patient Departments, ensuring comprehensive healthcare. The newly inaugurated First Referral Unit (FRU) will provide 24-hour specialist care in Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Pediatrics. This facility will reduce the need for patients to travel far for medical attention.
Lyngdoh also shared her excitement about the soon-to-be-functional blood storage unit at the hospital.
She stressed the government’s commitment to reducing infant mortality rates and emphasised the importance of safe delivery for pregnant mothers. She called upon the Village Health Councils and ASHAs to encourage expectant mothers to utilise hospital services for safe childbirth and urged the community to improve immunisation rates, with a goal of reaching 100 per cent coverage. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of deworming for children.
She said that government hospitals are capable of providing high-quality healthcare and encouraged the community to utilise the services available at local health centres.
Others present on the occasion include Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr JS Momin, Director of Health Services (MI), EL Warjri, SDO of Pynursla, A Lyngdoh, Rangbah Shnong, Urksew Wahpathaw, Pynursla among others.
