By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 20: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum has offered to contribute Rs 50 lakh from the Special Urban Works Programme (SUWP) for the upgrade and reconstruction of the Meghalaya House in Vellore, describing the facility as a crucial support system for patients from the state undergoing treatment at CMC Vellore.
Nongrum said the decision followed his personal inspection of the Meghalaya House, also known as Spring of Hope, during a visit to Vellore for his own medical check-up. He said he was distressed by the poor condition of the building and the hardships faced by patients and their attendants who travel long distances from Meghalaya for specialised healthcare.
“I am willing to allocate Rs 50 lakh from the SUWP for this purpose. After seeing the condition of the accommodation, a strong message needs to be sent. Several shortcomings are directly affecting patients and their attendants,” the MLA said, adding that the contribution was intended to enable the state government to take immediate steps to improve and reconstruct the facility.
He said he had earlier raised the issue in the Assembly, where the government had informed the House of plans to increase the number of rooms and even construct a new building. However, Nongrum expressed concern that no visible progress had been made despite these assurances.
The MLA urged the MDA II government to make a special budgetary allocation in the 2026-27 state budget for the expansion and renovation of the Meghalaya House, citing an acute shortage of rooms and the deteriorating condition of the existing structure.
Although the design and plan for upgrading the facility are already in place, Nongrum said the main hurdle remains inadequate funding. “We do not need deluxe rooms. What we need are more rooms. If the facility can be expanded to accommodate 30 to 40 rooms, it would be a huge blessing for the people of the state,” he said.
Highlighting the lack of advanced healthcare facilities in Meghalaya, Nongrum said many patients are forced to travel to Vellore for treatment. “Personally, I would not have come to CMC Vellore if advanced healthcare facilities were available in our state,” he remarked.
Emphasising the purpose of the Meghalaya House, the MLA said it exists solely for patients and their attendants. “No one comes here for holidays or sightseeing. People come here because of serious illnesses and medical emergencies,” he said.
Recalling a question raised during the last Autumn Assembly Session, Nongrum said the minister-in-charge had stated that the Meghalaya House comprised seven apartments with 18 rooms. However, after inspecting the premises, he claimed there were only five apartments with a total of 10 rooms.
According to Nongrum, the shortage has deprived as many as 112 people of accommodation. “Whether it is 10 rooms or even 18, it is clearly insufficient to meet the needs of our people,” he said.
The MLA also expressed concern over the dilapidated condition of the building, noting visible damage both inside and outside the premises. He said he had raised the issue with GAD Minister Sostheness Sohtun before leaving for Vellore.
“The name ‘Spring of Hope’ should truly reflect its purpose and not remain just a phrase,” Nongrum said, adding that the facility was never meant to generate employment only, but to support citizens far from home while undergoing prolonged and costly medical treatment.
Reiterating his appeal, Nongrum said the government must urgently prioritise the expansion and renovation of the Meghalaya House to ensure dignity, comfort and support for patients from Meghalaya seeking treatment at CMC Vellore.
