Northeast Desk, 10th September: Congress MP Saleng A Sangma, recently nominated to the Governing Council of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), visited the institute to gain insight into its current status and challenges. During his visit, Sangma chaired a meeting with NEIGRIHMS faculty and staff, including department heads, to discuss the institution’s pressing issues.
Sangma emphasized that his primary goal was to understand the various problems affecting NEIGRIHMS thoroughly. He stated that this understanding would enable him to advocate effectively with the Central government to enhance the institution’s capabilities and ensure it becomes a premier healthcare provider for the Northeastern region.
NEIGRIHMS Director, Professor Nalin Mehta, highlighted critical concerns, including a shortage of faculty, overdue cadre reviews, and the need for parity with institutions like AIIMS, New Delhi, and PGIMER, Chandigarh. He also stressed the necessity of acquiring land for a guest house to assist patients traveling from distant locations. Additionally, Professor Mehta advocated for NEIGRIHMS to be designated as an Institute of National Importance (INI) to overcome existing challenges.
Sangma assured that he would address these issues with the Central government and work across party lines to gather support from other Northeastern MPs. He committed to resolving the problems related to the delivery and supply of medicines and high-end medical equipment in collaboration with district councils.
The MP also promised to prioritize NEIGRIHMS’s request for land allocation for a patient guest house with the Meghalaya government, aiming to improve the overall patient experience. Sangma’s visit underscores his commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the region and addressing the needs of NEIGRIHMS.