The Pdengkarong Sub-Centre was inaugurated today at Pdengkarong village in West Jaintia Hills District. The Sub-Centre falls under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, and has been funded under PM-ABHIM (NHM) for the year 2021–2022 at a cost of ₹55.50 lakh, along with land voluntarily provided by the village. The facility has been established to strengthen healthcare services for the villages of Pdengkarong, Amsyrwai, Amralang, and other nearby areas of War Jaintia. The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. P. Shylla, District Medical & Health Officer, West Jaintia Hills.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge of the Education, Information & Public Relations, Revenue & Disaster Management and Law Departments, Government of Meghalaya, and MLA, 7-Amlarem, stated that the Pdengkarong Sub-Centre stands as a strong example of community participation, as the Government decided not to engage private contractors but entrusted the construction work to the Village Health & Sanitation Committee of Pdengkarong village. He expressed satisfaction that despite the modest budget, the project was completed efficiently, and a portion of the sanctioned amount remained as surplus, reflecting proper utilisation of public funds.
The Minister emphasized that the presence of the Sub-Centre does not signify illness, but ensures timely medical support during emergencies and health crises. He urged residents to make full use of the services available at the centre, including consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines, and advised against self-medication, which has contributed to lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and kidney ailments in the region. He further stated that with proper cooperation between the public and healthcare workers such as nurses, ASHAs and other staff, residents would no longer need to travel to distant facilities like Jarain (14 km), Nongtalang (22 km) or Pdengshakap (18 km) for routine treatment, saving significant travel time, cost and hardship, particularly for pregnant women, children and the elderly.
Highlighting broader healthcare improvements, Shri Rymbui noted that since 2018, Meghalaya has seen significant progress in reducing infant mortality and maternal mortality rates under the leadership of the present Government. He referred to initiatives such as the MOTHER programme for maternal care, financial assistance for patient transportation, and the Universal Health Insurance Scheme, which aim to ensure affordable healthcare for all. He informed that the Amlarem Constituency presently has 11 Sub-Centres, in addition to PHCs, CHCs, dispensaries and a Sub-Divisional Hospital, and added that there is a growing need for new Sub-Centres in Amlarem Shyiap Amlanai, Jong-U-Chen and Hawai-Bhoi to further improve access to healthcare in remote areas.
The Minister also spoke on development initiatives in the region, stating that since 2018, villages such as Pdengkarong have benefited from improved roads, drinking water supply, sanitation facilities, schools and enhanced mobile connectivity through the BSNL tower. He informed that the Government plans to upgrade road connectivity in areas including Amlarem–Nongtalang, Pdengshakap, Amkhlew, Pdengkseh and Pdengkarong, as well as the road stretch from Darang to Shnongpdeng up to Amkoi. However, he pointed out that progress has been delayed due to difficulties in acquiring land from some landowners, despite the Government’s readiness to allocate ₹20–30 crore for compensation. He appealed to residents and landowners to cooperate in land acquisition for the greater public good and long-term development of the region.
Short speeches were also delivered by Shri Kolmen Pohshna, former Headman of Pdengkarong; Shri Jamshaphrang Pohtam, MDC War-Central; Shri Medling Swer, MDC War-East; and Kum. Anendya Raahsshre, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer, Amlarem Civil Sub-Division, who commended the collective efforts of the community and the Government in strengthening public health infrastructure. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. F. Lamin, Medical & Health Officer-in-Charge, Jarain PHC.
