By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 5: Opposition VPP MLA from Mawlai constituency, Brightstarwell Marbaniang, on Wednesday highlighted how one of the oldest dispensaries in the state is still operating from a rented building.
“This dispensary is one of the oldest in the state, yet it continues to function from a rented house. I sincerely hope that it will soon have a permanent facility,” he said, urging the Health Minister to expedite the process.
In response, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh acknowledged the issue, stating that the Nehru State Dispensary in Mawlai has been a topic of discussion since 2020. “This is not a new subject. It has been debated since 2020,” she said.
She informed the House that after conducting a joint inspection with the MLA, several decisions were made, and technical proceedings are set to begin.
“The land does not belong to the Health department, but we have already obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned Dorbar. The necessary documents have been forwarded, and an estimate has been prepared,” she added.
The minister added that the initial cost estimate was prepared under the 2015 Schedule of Rates (SOR) of the PWD, but a review is currently under way. “Subject to the availability of funds, we will pursue the matter in all earnest,” she assured.