‘Meghalaya spends over 8.5% of total budget on healthcare, highest in India’
Shillong, May 14: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma released Rs 2 crore under Meghalaya Healthcare Advancement Policy (MHAP) 2024 to Dr H Gordon Roberts Hospital here on Wednesday.
The initiative aims at bridging critical healthcare gaps and support mission-run hospitals that have long served the people of the state.
Expressing gratitude to the mission institutions for the work done by them, he reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.
Emphasising the government’s priority to healthy sector, he said Meghalaya currently spends more than 8.5% of its total budget on healthcare, the highest among all states in India.
He asserted that the consistent investment has yielded tangible results, most notably over 45% reduction in maternal mortality rate, which has drawn national and international attention.
“We are not here just for 2024. This is a partnership for the long term. Your hospital, your governing body—decide what is best. Whether it’s infrastructure, ICU equipment, or new facilities, the funds are yours to manage in your wisdom,” he said, while assuring continued annual support under MHAP.
The MHAP-funded projects in the hospital include construction of a new adult and paediatric ICU complex, installation of a solar energy plant for sustainable power, procurement of life-saving equipment, and formation of a skilled, multidisciplinary care team.
The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 2.95 crore, is expected to be implemented in four phases over 18–24 months, covering infrastructure development, staff training, service delivery assessment, and research.
Dr Nongpiur highlighted that the new ICU complex will provide affordable critical care services to newborns, children, and mothers, especially from underserved and rural areas.
He emphasised the hospital’s model of subsidised care and noted that the MHIS (Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme) and the Poor Patient Fund will be used to ensure no patient is turned away for financial reasons. He also underlined the importance of ensuring healthcare equity through sustainable models.
Meanwhile, the hospital submitted a memorandum to the chief minister seeking additional support, including funding for laser lithotripsy equipment for kidney and ureteral stone treatment, continued assistance for the construction of a new G+5 hospital building, and financial support for development of the academic complex of the College of Nursing.
The chief minister acknowledged the proposals and assured the hospital management of positive consideration, reaffirming his government’s support for mission hospitals across Meghalaya.
