SHILLONG: Emphasising the importance of sports and healthcare in building a healthy society, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday inaugurated an Indoor Sports Hall and a Health Sub-Centre at Laitkyrhong village under the Mawkynrew C&RD Block.
The projects were inaugurated in the presence of local MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, officials from the Health and Sports Departments, village heads, and residents.
Addressing the gathering, Lyngdoh expressed gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister and all stakeholders involved in completing the projects. He noted that the Health Sub-Centre had been under discussion for several months and said its inauguration would now allow residents to access essential medical services closer to home.
The MLA further informed that additional Sub-Centres are expected to be inaugurated in the constituency soon, reiterating his and the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure. He also lauded the proactive role played by the villagers in supporting health initiatives and stressed the need for adequate medical staff to ensure quality services.
Lyngdoh revealed that although three projects were initially slated for inauguration, the football ground project is yet to be completed and will be opened at a later date. He also mentioned that there had been efforts to bring a Khelo India Sports Hall to the village in recognition of the sporting talent among local youth, but the proposal could not materialise due to eligibility criteria.
Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong described Laitkyrhong as a prominent village and said the new facilities would benefit not only residents but also adjoining areas. He commended the MLA for facilitating the schemes and called for collective efforts toward sustained development.
Highlighting the achievements of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government over the past eight years, Tynsong said several development initiatives have been rolled out across the state. He pointed out that the number of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has grown from around 4,000 in 2018 to over 50,000 at present, with substantial financial assistance provided through bank linkages and government support.
Encouraging women to strengthen their participation in SHGs, he assured continued government backing to enhance livelihood opportunities.
Referring to concerns raised in a memorandum, including poor road conditions and a shortage of healthcare staff, Tynsong assured that necessary steps would be taken in coordination with the concerned departments. He also pledged support to strengthen the local Secondary School.
Urging residents to seek institutional medical care in addition to traditional practices, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that improved healthcare access has contributed to a significant decline in maternal mortality in the state.
