Tura, Feb 7: In a major push to strengthen healthcare access in Meghalaya’s border belt, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a 10-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Merengipara in South West Garo Hills district under the National AYUSH Mission.
The ₹7-crore project, approved for the 2025–26 financial year, will create 35 new posts, including AYUSH doctors, nurses and yoga instructors, marking a significant expansion of healthcare infrastructure in the remote Mahendraganj constituency.
Calling the occasion a “landmark moment” for the region, the Chief Minister said the facility represents a decisive step towards decentralising healthcare and ensuring that quality medical services reach people in remote and border areas.
“Today, we are not merely laying a foundation stone; we are laying the groundwork for a future where quality healthcare reaches people where they live, with dignity, accessibility and trust,” he said.
Unlike existing facilities that largely provide outpatient services, the upcoming hospital will offer inpatient care — addressing a long-standing gap in healthcare delivery in the district.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the integrated model would focus on holistic and lifestyle-related treatments, with scope for incorporating traditional and indigenous systems of medicine.
He also underscored the hospital’s potential role in youth wellness and de-addiction efforts, noting that “a healthy youth is the foundation of a strong and resilient Meghalaya.”
The programme was attended by Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay A. Sangma, Salmanpara MLA Ian Botham M. Sangma, senior officials and community leaders.
Highlighting broader development initiatives in the region, the Chief Minister pointed to significant improvements in road connectivity under State and Central schemes, while acknowledging past hardships faced by border residents due to poor infrastructure.
He informed that a proposal for an alternative bypass road — aimed at easing movement affected by the evening closure of border gates — would be examined, with surveys to be initiated wherever necessary.
On the education front, he said a new Science and Commerce College has already begun functioning in the area, with recruitment completed, and urged students to enrol from the current academic year.
He reiterated that strengthening educational infrastructure remains a top government priority.
Referring to the evolving situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, the Chief Minister urged border residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and security.
He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as Awang Chips and Nokma Ice Cream as examples of local enterprises generating livelihoods, reiterating the government’s long-term vision to transform the region into an economic and industrial hub.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Anendya Raajshree described the project as a significant milestone for the district, expressing confidence that the hospital would provide affordable and holistic healthcare while promoting traditional systems under AYUSH.
SDMHO Dr Lydia Marak noted the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases in the district and said the facility would function not only as a treatment centre but also as a wellness and awareness hub.
