Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Prestone Tynsong today laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of Pynursla CHC to Sub- Divisional Hospital in the presence of Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Health & Family Welfare Minister and other officials at Pynursla Community Health Centre (CHC), East Khasi Hills District. On this occasion, the First Referral Unit (FRU) at Pynursla CHC was also inaugurated.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Shri Prestone Tynsong expressed the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities across Meghalaya. He highlighted that the upgradation of Pynursla CHC to a Sub-Divisional Hospital will significantly improve healthcare access for the local population and those in surrounding areas. “This move is in line with the state government’s priority to improve health facilities, which ranks second in the budget allocation after education and infrastructure development,” he said. He urged all stakeholders and the public to cooperate in addressing health challenges and improving the overall healthcare scenario.
He emphasized the importance of good health and acknowledged the tireless work of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, especially in rural areas. He encouraged the residents of Pynursla to register for the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and link it with their Aadhaar cards to avail themselves of government health benefits. He urged the public to overcome superstitious beliefs and embrace positive change for the development of the area.
Addressing the gathering, the Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the crucial role of the newly upgraded Sub-Divisional Hospital in providing better healthcare services to the people. She explained that the hospital will offer both In-Patient and Out-Patient Departments, ensuring comprehensive healthcare. The newly inaugurated First Referral Unit (FRU) will provide 24-hour specialist care in Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Pediatrics. This facility will reduce the need for patients to travel far for medical attention.
The Health Minister also shared her excitement about the soon-to-be-functional blood storage unit at the hospital. She stressed the government’s commitment to reducing infant mortality rates and emphasized the importance of safe delivery for pregnant mothers. She called upon the Village Health Councils and ASHAs to encourage expectant mothers to utilize hospital services for safe childbirth and urged the community to improve immunization rates, with a goal of reaching 100 percent coverage. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of deworming for children.
She emphasized that government hospitals are capable of providing high-quality healthcare and encouraged the community to utilize the services available at local health centers.
Other present on the occasion include Shri Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, Dr. J.S Momin, Director of Health Services (MI), Smti E.L Warjri, SDO, Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, Shri A. Lyngdoh, Rangbah Shnong, Urksew Wahpathaw, Pynursla among others.
