After exhaustive due diligence on the possibility of involving the private sector during our time, we were convinced that it is not yet the time to look for partnerships. We have not reached that stage of allowing private investment
in the health sector
RESUBELPARA, June 3: Leader of the Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma, has asserted that Meghalaya has not yet reached the stage to involve private participation in the health sector and called on the government to take full ownership of the issue.
His statement comes amid controversy over the state government’s consideration of a public-private partnership (PPP) to run the upcoming Tura Medical College and Hospital. Civil society organisations from the Garo Hills region, along with residents and opposition members, have opposed this move, arguing it would not benefit the local population.
“After exhaustive due diligence on the possibility of involving the private sector during our time, we were convinced that it is not yet the time to look for partnerships. We have not reached that stage of allowing private investment in the health sector,” said the AITC leader on Monday.
Explaining the rationale behind his statement, Mukul pointed out that medical colleges are primarily funded by the central government.
“As far as the health sector is concerned, it is the responsibility of the government to address all existing gaps to ensure access to healthcare, including access to doctors, specialists, super specialists and health education. That is exactly why the Union Government is providing access to the central pool to all states, especially those without medical colleges,” Mukul stated.
He added that the Centre has been responsive to the state’s needs for setting up such institutions.
“States do not have funds for setting up such institutions, so we earlier considered the need to allow private enterprise in the absence of resources. Having seen the disadvantages, we decided this was not the sector where private enterprise should be allowed. This decision was made after exhaustive due diligence,” he added.
Mukul further explained that while the state previously lacked funds, the central government is now extending support, not just for one, but for multiple such institutions.
“The Government of India has clearly stated that you complete one such project and then come back for more. That is how other states are proceeding. Look at Assam and Tripura—they are following this model. West Bengal is also taking advantage of the system and creating such infrastructure. Meghalaya should not be left behind,” he said.
The former chief minister asserted that the first sanctioned project, the Tura Medical College and Hospital (TMC&H), should remain under government control.
“The government cannot give up and say it can’t do more. It is doable despite the challenges, some of which are formidable but can be overcome. The idea is that we start with one, be ambitious for the second, and so forth,” Mukul said.
It may be mentioned that the former chief minister made these remarks during his visit to the upcoming 100-bed hospital in Chidaret, near Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, on Monday.
The Chidaret hospital is about 90% complete, with constructors and medical authorities targeting July to begin operations.
Lauding the efforts of health authorities and builders, Mukul said the hospital will be transformative for the entire district and beyond, potentially becoming another medical college like TMC&H, given its logistical advantage. Resubelpara is close to the Assam border and, after completion of the ongoing NH project, will be about two hours from Guwahati.
The project, costing close to Rs 50 crores, began in 2019-2020.