SHILLONG: Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally inaugurate the Shillong Medical College, describing the institution as a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Meghalaya.
Speaking to reporters, Shylla said the state government is once again preparing to approach the Prime Minister for suitable dates after previous inauguration plans could not materialise due to unavoidable circumstances.
“No doubt in the past also, in two instances, he has given the date, but due to unavoidable circumstances, he couldn’t come. So this time also again, we were waiting for all the elections to get over and now we again will approach him for the dates,” the minister said.
Shylla stated that the government is keen to have the inauguration completed within this year, especially since classes for the first batch of students have already commenced. According to him, the medical college currently has approval to admit 50 students in the first year, as sanctioned by the Medical Council after inspection of the facilities and faculty strength.
The minister also spoke about the government’s decision to establish the Tura Medical College as a government-run institution instead of operating it under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. He explained that the government had initially considered the PPP model because of the difficulties in recruiting qualified professors and faculty members, challenges that were also encountered during the establishment of Shillong Medical College.
However, he said public sentiment strongly favoured a fully government-run medical college in Tura after witnessing the launch of Shillong Medical College. “Ultimately it is for the people. So why not we give it a try,” Shylla remarked.
The minister informed that advertisements have already been floated for recruitment of faculty members for the Tura Medical College, and the government aims to make the institution operational by the next academic session.
He further stated that several tenders related to infrastructure development have already been floated, including facilities such as playgrounds and other basic necessities. At the same time, preparations are underway for a detailed project report (DPR) for a larger infrastructure expansion plan.
Shylla also highlighted the government’s focus on improving medical knowledge and exposure among doctors, professors, and students. While acknowledging that advanced facilities such as robotic surgery may take time to become a reality, he said the immediate priority is to equip healthcare professionals with exposure to modern medical technologies through conferences, conclaves, and training programmes.
On healthcare services linked to Shillong Medical College, the minister clarified that OPD and hospital-based practical services are mandatory components of any medical college. He noted that the Civil Hospital in Shillong is already integrated into the Shillong Medical College system and now carries the name “Shillong Medical College Hospital.”
