Foundation laid of medical college at University of Science and Technology Meghalaya

KHANAPARA: The 'PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital'—a mega dream project of ERD Foundation Guwahati and its founder chairman Mahbubul Hoque - has seen the beginning of implementation with the grand foundation-laying ceremony held on October 3 at the proposed medical college ground at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).

The foundation was laid by Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in presence of Rhonda Vetere, global leader from USA, former Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary, Home and Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Dr RC Deka, former Director, AIIMS; Dr Dhrubajyoti Borah, VC, Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences; Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah, former VC, AMU; Dr Abdul Wase, Prof of Medicine, USA; Faisal Masood, Managing Partner, EO, USA; Sosthenes Sohtun, MLA from the Jirang constituency of Meghalaya. Eminent doctors from all over the North-East and from various parts of the country and abroad witnessed the historic event at USTM, stated a press release.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sangma said that the first private medical college in the State will follow standards second to none. He said that his father was instrumental in establishing USTM and naming the medical college after him was a tribute to the late leader. Sangma said the biggest investment a Government or a society can make is in human capital and institutes must play an important role in research and innovation. The Chief Minister said that thorough discussions are underway to see how the State Government can collaborate with USTM, especially for the medical college.

The welcome address in the programme was delivered by Mahbubul Hoque, while the presidential speech was delivered by RS Mooshahary. The programme was also addressed by Lahkmen Rymbui, Dr RC Deka, Dr Dhrubajyoti Borah, Dr Abdul Wase, Faisal Masood, Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah and Sosthenes Sohtun. Prof GD Sharma, VC of USTM, offered the vote of thanks. A press conference was held after the formal ceremony which was addressed by Rhonda Vetere and Mahbubul Hoque.

Addressing the media, Hoque said, "One of the main features of the Medical College and Hospital is a 200-bedded super speciality hospital with all kinds of technological facilities with cutting-edge research. Following its mission, this hospital will be made completely free for all poor patients. Moreover, we will make its service entirely free for the people of Meghalaya". Another significant perspective of this noble initiative is its emphasis on extensive research on healthcare. This new institution has a unique target: to attract patients and students from the ASEAN countries. During the initial stage, it will specially target patients and students from Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

Rhonda Vetere stated that she is very happy to be the global ambassador of USTM. She will contribute towards developing an overall integrated communication strategy through international liaison to promote and enhance visibility of the university and its mission globally, and facilitate collaboration with world class institutions.

Besides all technological facilities and high ending equipment, the medical college and hospital will have air ambulance facility, a network of ambulance services that will be provided covering Guwahati and Shillong. Mobile App will be developed so that patients can take hassle-free appointments of the doctors, can avail ambulance and various other facilities. This will help save their time and get doctors available when they arrive at the hospital. "USTM will be organizing national and international seminars and conferences in the healthcare sector. We welcome the support and suggestions of all healthcare experts from NE India in our mission," Hoque stated.

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