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Shillong Medical College (SMC) Set To Open Next Year

First Published: 30th October, 2024 20:22 IST

The Meghalaya government is gearing up to open Shillong Medical College (SMC) by next year. Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that SMC has met several key criteria, including land availability

The Meghalaya government is gearing up to open Shillong Medical College (SMC) by next year.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated that SMC has met several key criteria, including land availability and a 400-bed hospital, which are essential for a functional medical institute.

“The Shillong Medical College (SMC) and the Tura Medical College are in an advanced completion stage. SMC being a brownfield project will have a better chance of qualifying as a medical institute by next year before Tura as we already have the pre-requisite norms. The norms are a huge dropdown list since you need to have a 400-bed hospital, land, faculties etc,” Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh stated.

However, the main obstacle is hiring qualified faculty, as many local doctors still need the academic qualifications required for teaching. To mitigate delays, the government is considering modifications to service rules.

Asserting that the state government is making progress, she stated, “If you talk about SMC there are many components to the proposal, it is not just about building the infrastructure. It is about preparing the entire Health department to reach that target.”

She further added, “Faculty is the important component for NOC or a nod to start a medical college. Do we have the professors? Have we sent doctors willing to engage in academics going for those qualifications …percentage of in-house doctors, service rules, these are the issues causing delay.”

Meanwhile, over 200 students from Meghalaya have applied for 64 seats at the PA Sangma International Medical College, under USTM, with fees of Rs 4.95 lakh per year, totalling Rs 24.75 lakh for an MBBS degree. Given the high costs, the government is assessing the need for financial support for these students, as medical education remains expensive without subsidies. Although students cover some expenses like hostel fees, scholarships are available. A reservation policy will be applied for SC and ST students, with 25 government-sponsored seats, while the remaining students will pay half of the standard tuition.

Also read: Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute: Waiting for Assam’s Response, Says Meghalaya Minister Paul Lyngdoh

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