By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 13: Conflicting government responses about the status of the Manggakgre Sub Centre’s transition into a Primary Health Centre (PHC) sparked criticism from the opposition, with TMC MLA from Dadenggre, Rupa Marak demanding clarity and a faster pace of work.
Marak raised the issue in the Assembly during the question hour, pointing out contradictions in the reply given by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh.
“If the minister has responded with a ‘yes’ to my question on whether the Manggakgre Sub Centre has been upgraded to a PHC, why does the reply also state that the upgradation is still in progress? I am confused,” Marak remarked, pressing for a clear answer.
In response, Lyngdoh attempted to explain the government’s stance, stating that the decision to upgrade the sub-centre into a PHC has already been taken. However, the physical work to implement it was still ongoing. “The decision is a yes. Whether or not the work is in progress, we’ve said yes, so work is in progress. The decision has already been taken,” she said.
Marak, however, was not satisfied with the explanation and demanded specific details about when the sub-centre was officially upgraded. Lyngdoh outlined the timeline, stating that the foundation stone for the upgradation was laid on December 9, 2022.
She added that the tender was floated by January 18, 2023, and the work began in November 2023. According to the minister, the project had reached 85% completion by January 2025.
Turning to the critical issue of staffing, Marak questioned whether a PHC should, by government norms, have a medical officer in place. Lyngdoh clarified that while construction was still underway, necessary human resources including a medical officer would only be deployed once the building was completed.
Pressing further, Marak directly asked whether the centre was currently functioning without a medical officer. Lyngdoh admitted that the centre was still operating as a sub-centre and had yet to function as a full-fledged PHC.
Frustrated by the delay, Marak urged the minister to expedite the process, stressing the urgent need for better healthcare facilities for the people of Manggakgre.
Taking note of the appeal, Lyngdoh assured the House that the matter would be addressed, saying, “Point noted.”
