Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh: Chief Minister Pema Khandu today underscored his government’s unwavering dedication to the health and education sectors, declaring them the paramount priorities for the state’s progress. His remarks came during the inauguration of the new Maternal and Child Health (MCH) wing at the Namsai District Hospital, a facility completed in June this year at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore under the National Health Mission.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to bridging critical manpower gaps within the healthcare system. He revealed that over 1,000 new positions have already been created in the health department, with various recruitment stages underway. Furthermore, a thorough “gap analysis” is ongoing to identify and fill additional crucial vacancies, ensuring robust medical services across the geographically diverse state.
In a significant announcement for the region, Mr. Khandu disclosed plans for a new medical college in Namsai, to be established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He stated that Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein is actively engaging with leading institutions to ensure the facility meets the highest standards. “The government wants a first-class medical college to be established at Namsai so that the aspirations of the youths of the eastern districts of the state could be fulfilled,” he emphasised, highlighting the government’s vision for local talent development.
During his visit, the Chief Minister toured the newly inaugurated MCH wing, a 28,356 sq ft structure built by the Namsai Rural Works Division. He also interacted with patients, distributing fruit baskets and commending the dedication of the hospital’s medical staff. Reflecting on the challenges, Mr. Khandu admitted that despite overcoming some manpower shortages in the past three years, issues persist, particularly in districts like Namsai, which has a population exceeding one lakh. He acknowledged the need for more specialist doctors, GDMOs, nurses, and support staff. To address this, he assured that rationalisation of postings, especially in remote areas, is being carried out to ensure an equitable distribution of healthcare personnel.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged that Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Arunachal’s vast, internationally bordered regions (Tibet, Myanmar, Bhutan) continue to face staffing shortages. He assured the public that the government is actively tackling these through strategic transfers and targeted recruitment drives. Reaffirming his government’s holistic approach, Mr. Khandu concluded by stating, “Health protects the people and education leads them toward development. These two remain our top priorities,” praising the Namsai District Hospital staff for their dedication in making the facility a vital healthcare hub for multiple districts.
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