From Our Correspondent
TURA, Aug 13: Prominent organisations and civil societies from Tura in West Garo Hills on Wednesday strongly opposed the proposed implementation of the Tura Medical College Hospital under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, while warning mass agitation to protect the interests of the people if the government continued to disregard the collective voice of the region.
The joint statement was issued by several major groups, including the Tura Senior Citizens Forum (TSCF), Mothers’ Union, New Tura Development Forum (NTDF), GSU, FKJGP, ADE, AYWO, FAF, GSMC, ACHIK, PGSU, AIGU and GGU.
“We express our strong opposition to the proposed implementation of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the management and operation of the Tura Medical College Hospital in Tura, West Garo Hills. We believe that such a move undermines the public health interests of the people of the Garo Hills and the broader aspirations of the region,” the groups stated.
The combined organisations noted that while Shillong Medical College continues to be fully government-funded and publicly operated, a different standard is being applied to the people of Garo Hills through the imposition of a PPP model. “This discriminatory approach raises serious questions about equity, intent, and long-term access to affordable healthcare and education,” they added.
They further pointed out that, unlike government medical colleges in Assam where 85% of seats are reserved for local students, only 50% of seats at Tura Medical College have been earmarked for local youths—an alarming disparity, especially considering the context in which the medical college came into being.
“The land for Tura Medical College was generously donated by local people, driven by the belief and hope that their children would be given better opportunities in the field of medical education and that quality healthcare services would be available closer to home. They acted in good faith, trusting that the government would honour its commitment to serve the people and not commodify essential services. A PPP model in healthcare delivery, especially in a crucial institution like a medical college hospital, risks prioritizing profit over public good. It may restrict access to affordable care for the poor and marginalized and dilute the original vision of this institution (TMCH) to serve the people of Garo Hills and Meghalaya at large,” the statement read.
They recalled that despite repeated appeals and reminders from civil societies, student unions and community leaders, the government has made no move to clarify or rectify the matter.
Warning that disregarding the collective voice of the people would only result in mass agitation in the near future, the groups demanded an immediate rollback of the PPP plan.
They urged the government to ensure that the institution is solely manned and managed by the state, increase seat reservations for local students to at least 85% in line with regional standards, and hold consultations with local stakeholders, civil society groups and traditional bodies before implementing any policy change affecting public health infrastructure in Garo Hills.
