Shillong: Meghalaya’s Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh announced significant progress in the development of medical education in the state, highlighting ongoing efforts to establish the much-awaited Shillong Medical College.
The minister confirmed that the project is on schedule for completion by 2025-26, with key milestones already achieved.
However, she noted that finalizing service rules remains essential for the college to become fully operational.
Speaking to the media, Lyngdoh shared that the service rules are currently being reviewed by the personnel department, and their approval would pave the way for the next phase of the project. “Once these rules and other necessary procedures are approved, we will be firmly on the path to establishing Shillong Medical College,” she stated.
According to the minister, the project has reached a critical stage where the college is seeking affiliation with the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
While a meeting between the health department and NEHU has already taken place, Lyngdoh clarified that official announcements will be made only after all details are finalized.
“We are meticulously completing all modalities and requirements, which involve substantial official communication and adherence to various standards,” Lyngdoh remarked, underlining that getting the service rules in place remains a top priority.
Alongside the progress in Shillong, Lyngdoh provided an update on Tura Medical College, noting that construction work is moving rapidly. She expressed satisfaction over the swift pace of development and revealed that both she and the Chief Minister were recently briefed on the project.
“The Tura project is progressing exceptionally well, with the construction far advanced,” she said, emphasizing that efforts are being concentrated on finalizing the infrastructure.
Further, the minister discussed the recent approval for the intake of 150 MBBS students at the P.A. Sangma International Medical College under the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM).
Lyngdoh mentioned that the Health Department is in the process of drafting a Cabinet Memo to formalize counseling procedures for admissions, ensuring all legal protocols are followed.
The updates signify Meghalaya’s focused approach toward enhancing medical education infrastructure. With steady advancements at both Shillong and Tura medical colleges, the state is poised to improve healthcare training facilities, meeting the region’s growing demand for skilled medical professionals.