The upgradation and operationalisation of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Hospital in Nongstoin is expected to be completed before Christmas 2025, in line with the commitment made earlier by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma during the CM-Connect programme.
On 6 November, a spot review of the facility was carried out by Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, along with officials from the Directorate of Health Services, West Khasi Hills district administration, and other health functionaries.
During the visit, the team reviewed the status of renovation and modification works. Most of the upgrades across the Outpatient Department, laboratory, emergency unit, labour room, ICU, NICU, and operation theatre complex have been completed, with only minor additions pending.
A review meeting was also held to discuss staffing, equipment deliveries, medical supplies, and other requirements to ensure the hospital becomes fully functional in the coming weeks. Kumar urged officials to ensure full use of the facility to improve healthcare outcomes in the district, noting the high rates of maternal and infant mortality in West Khasi Hills.
He also stressed the need to balance compliance to standards with timely delivery of specialised services and proposed establishing a District Early Intervention Centre at the hospital to strengthen child healthcare.
Field visits are being carried out across the state to review maternal and child health services as part of a wider effort to reduce maternal and child deaths in Meghalaya. During a field visit to Umwali in Mawshynrut Block on the same day, officials from the health, social welfare, rural development, and administrative departments carried out interventions including Aadhaar enrolment camps, support for adolescent girls through skill programmes, and sensitisation events focused on maternal health and safe deliveries.
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