Shillong Medical College is under active consideration, says Meghalaya Health Minister
Meghalaya Health Minister P K Sangma said the construction of Shillong Medical College (SMC) is under active consideration of the state government.
The Meghalaya government is holding consultations with two private parties for the establishment of the Shillong Medical College and Hospital (SMCH).
On Tuesday, state Health Minister P K Sangma said, "Shillong Medical College (SMC) is under active consideration of the state government and it is exploring new modalities for the construction of the Shillong Medical College."
The new modalities include better terms of public-private partnership and the possibility of seeking support from NITI Aayog, he told the Meghalaya Assembly during Question Hour, as reported by NDTV.
"The government has taken lots of steps to ensure this project sees the light of day rather than sticking to one location. We have cancelled the earlier PPP (signed with KPC Group) and we are engaging with a new party which can give us a better deal," said Mr Sangma.
More Details on Shillong Medical College and Hospital
In 2012, an agreement was inked with the KPC group for the construction of SMCH and a foundation stone was laid at the R P Chest (TB) Hospital land for its construction.
The government later provided an alternative land of 50 acres in New Shillong Township for the same as the first location had many shortcomings like a congested area and narrow approach road.
On the question of cancellation of the PPP with the KPC Group, the health minister said it wanted additional land for the project and to extend the lease from 30 years to 99 years besides increasing the fee structure.
“Nothing had moved with the KPC group till 2022 for multiple reasons including land issues. We felt that this matter could not be resolved and we cancelled the agreement,” said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday, as reported by The Shillong Times.
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