Meghalaya intensifies healthcare upgrade initiatives in remote areas

In continuation of the Meghalaya government's commitment to make quality healthcare accessible at the grassroots and interiors, chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on 11 June laid the foundation stone for the upgrade of Tikrikilla public health centre (PHC) to a community health centre (CHC) at Kentapara under Dadenggre Block in West Garo Hills district. 

"Our doctors and nurses are working hard to provide the best healthcare in rural and remote areas of the state despite the challenges," the chief minister said. He said the present government was making a concerted effort to bring change in the overall health scenario of the state. "The government is investing close to Rs. 350 crore to create better health care infrastructure in the state. Taking lessons learned from the COVID pandemic in which our healthcare facilities were overwhelmed due to increased patient intake, the government has taken the initiative to create adequate health facilities, PHCs and CHCs to deal with such eventualities in the future," Sangma said.

"Anywhere you travel you'll see that development is centred at the cities and towns. A change in our approach is needed so that people in the remotest areas can avail the facilities that are meant for them," he said. Sangma further urged the people to be receptive towards the effort of the government to usher in progress and development in the state. "I thank the people of Kentapara for the generous contribution of land to construct this CHC. Sometimes land acquisition has been a hindrance even if the government wants to bring in development," he said.

Nearly 100 bighas of land has been donated by the community for the construction of the CHC at Kentapara village.

Tikrikilla MLA, Jimmy D. Sangma, Phulbari MLA, SG Esmatur Momin and co-chairman of State Planning Board, Limison D. Sangma were among the dignitaries present at the function.