SHILLONG: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, informed that the state is hopeful that the Shillong Medical College will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon.
He said this during his visit to the institute at the old Pasteur Institute, Lawmali, Shillong yesterday where he also interacted with the first batch of students of the medical college.
“I was hoping this institution will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister soon but while we are awaiting the formal inauguration I did not want to wait to meet the faculty and the students,” he said.
CM Sangma, expressed happiness and satisfaction in being able to meet and interact with the first batch of students and added the Shillong Medical College is a very important institution for the state of Meghalaya.
He further said that the Shillong Medical College had been a very challenging project for the state and expressed gratitude to the former Health & Family Welfare Minister, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh and the officials of the Health department who were driven by passion and dedication to give shape to the college.
“While we still do have many challenges ahead of us and things that needed to be done we remain steadfast in our commitments,” he said.
“I also thank the in service doctors who have chosen to be a part of this medical college and also for their expertise and guidance,” he said.
Talking to the students he said that it was a historic moment as they would be remembered as the first batch of Shillong Medical College adding, “You will also most importantly, lay the standards for future students and there is a great expectation from all of you.”
He also urged the students not be discouraged in the face of challenges and said, “When a new thing is started there are always challenges but I assure you we are here to support you,” he said.
It may be mentioned that the Shillong Medical College is being developed as a brownfield (redevelopment) project, transforming the historic Pasteur Institute campus into its academic block.
The Pasteur Institute legacy dates back to 1917 when it was established for vaccine production and diagnostics; its structures now support the medical college transformation.
