Tura, Jan 22: The Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Shillong, inaugurated its Regional Office in Tura today, marking a significant step towards strengthening public health research, capacity building, and implementation support across the Garo Hills region.
The inauguration ceremony brought together senior district officials, health leaders, faculty members, and stakeholders, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based health planning and service delivery in the region.
The establishment of the Tura Regional Office reflects IIPH Shillong’s expanding role as a leading public health institution in Northeast India. Over the past several years, the institute has worked closely with state and district governments on initiatives related to health systems strengthening, maternal and child health, community engagement, and allied public health priorities. The new office is envisioned as a decentralised hub to enable closer collaboration with district administrations, frontline health workers, and local communities across the Garo Hills.
The inaugural programme commenced with the introduction and felicitation of dignitaries, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Sandra Albert, Director, IIPH Shillong. In her address, Prof. Albert highlighted the unique environmental risk factors and disease burden specificities of the Garo Hills, emphasising the need for customised and locally responsive approaches to health service delivery.
