Shillong, Nov 22: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday said that strident efforts has made to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate(MMR) and which is expected to come down the national average.
Sangma made this statement while inaugurating the newly completed CFI (Caring for India) Centre at Nonglum, Umroi in Ri-Bhoi.
CM Sangma said the state’s multi-sectoral efforts under the MOTHER programme to address the issue.
“Today, the maternal mortality rate has come down by 50 percent and we are about to be below the national average,” Sangma stated.
He noted that the MOTHER programme is now being adopted by several states and will be presented at the national level.
Sangma reaffirming his commitment to partnering with CFI, “We will work closely with you to take your mission forward, which is also our mission.”
CM Sangma appreciated the vision behind establishing the CFI Centre and lauded the efforts of the organisers for creating an institution focused on leadership building, moral guidance and community service.
He recalled the teachings of his late father, who often reminded him that “purpose in public life must start with the objective of serving the people not for a position, not for personal or monetary gains.”
On CFI’s nursing college initiative, the Chief Minister noted that there had been a request for land for expansion and assured full government support.
“Let me assure you once again that the government will ensure that the land that is required is given so that you can set up the infrastructure.”
He highlighted the state’s progress in facilitating overseas opportunities for nurses, noting that in the past year, “37 nurses have gone to Japan, close to 30 to Singapore, and the first batch will be going to Germany very soon.”
He added that although these opportunities existed earlier, “there was always a disconnect between the opportunities and the manpower that was ready to go.”
He explained the government’s interventions through job fairs, language training and comprehensive support to families. Sharing the positive impact, he said, “These nurses are sending back approximately one lakh per person per month to their families… that’s 4.8 crores a year from just 40 nurses.”
He added that 2,000 nurses are currently in the pipeline for international placements.
The Chief Minister encouraged CFI to incorporate language training within the nursing curriculum, assuring that the government would partner with the institution to make this possible.
He also praised the vision of establishing a leadership retreat centre, describing it as “one of the greatest blessings that could be given to our people.”
The CFI Centre has been envisioned as a space dedicated to empowering leaders for community transformation and holistic development.
The initiative aims to build capacities, strengthen faith-based leadership and foster collaborative efforts that contribute to social upliftment across the region.
Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, MIDC Chairman James K. Sangma and other dignitaries were present during the programme.
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