From Our Correspondent
TURA, Jan 8: Nearly 3,000 people across six villages in South West Garo Hills are set to benefit from a urban health & wellness centre (UHWC), which was inaugurated at Upper Damalgre under Rerapara C&RD Block on Wednesday.
Funded under the 15th Finance Commission, the centre — staffed with a Medical & Health Officer, Staff Nurse, ANM, and Grade IV personnel — will deliver essential healthcare services, including blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar and haemoglobin level testing.
Additionally, the centre plans to operate a polyclinic where specialists such as dental surgeons, gynaecologists and orthopaedics will be available once a week, based on the local demands.
Periodic health camps will also be organised, both at the centre and in surrounding villages.
During the programme, Rangsakona MLA Subhir Marak, who inaugurated the urban health & wellness centre as the chief guest, elaborated on the free diagnostics and treatments available at the health facility. He underscored the importance of the TB elimination campaign and urged individuals with symptoms to undergo screening and testing.
He then addressed the growing concerns of mental health issues, substance abuse and their impact on the youths, advising families to seek counseling and treatment at the centre. Marak further urged the public to take collective responsibility for maintaining the health facility and ensuring its effective utilisation.
Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner, TK Sangma, in his address, emphasised the importance of utilising the health services available nearby.
She highlighted the need for immunisation and institutional deliveries to prevent maternal and child mortality, urging the health staff to work with dedication.
The inaugural event also featured addresses from the District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO), local Nokma and community leaders, all of whom expressed optimism about the facility’s potential to improve health outcomes in the region.