SHILLONG, March 27: The Meghalaya government is pushing for the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) to be designated as a National Institute. This move, if successful, could significantly enhance the capabilities, infrastructure, and services of the institution, benefiting not only Meghalaya but the entire Northeast region.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh revealed that Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is directly engaging with the Union Government to secure this prestigious status for NEIGRIHMS. Lyngdoh confirmed that while the issue may not fall entirely under her purview, the state government is actively pursuing the matter with the central authorities.

Lyngdoh emphasized that the National Institute status would elevate NEIGRIHMS as a centre of excellence, providing access to increased funding, advanced facilities, and improved medical services. “Our goal is not just to upgrade critical care but to establish a fully operational oncology department, introduce state-of-the-art treatments, and modernize medical infrastructure to serve the people of Meghalaya,” she said.

The designation would open up greater financial and technical resources for NEIGRIHMS, allowing it to adopt cutting-edge healthcare technologies and establish specialized departments. This is crucial for expanding healthcare services, particularly in areas such as oncology and critical care, which are vital for the Northeast region.

Lyngdoh stressed that this proposal is not simply about incremental improvements but about transforming NEIGRIHMS into one of India’s most advanced medical institutions. With the rising demand for healthcare services in the state, this move is seen as a critical step toward ensuring better healthcare accessibility and expertise, particularly in specialized fields.

Chief Minister Sangma has been in continuous discussions with the Centre to bring this proposal to fruition, aligning with Meghalaya’s broader goal of improving healthcare delivery across the state and region. While the Centre has yet to make a formal announcement, the Meghalaya government remains optimistic about a positive response.

The upgrade of NEIGRIHMS to National Institute status would significantly expand access to advanced treatments, specialist care, and research opportunities for medical professionals and students. The state government believes that the move will revolutionize healthcare in Meghalaya and the surrounding Northeast states, providing world-class services for residents and boosting the region’s medical infrastructure.