Shillong: The Meghalaya government is committed to improving healthcare services, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Wednesday.
“Meghalaya spends nearly 9 percent of its total budget on healthcare–the highest in the country. The health sector has been a priority for our government. From rural healthcare to medical infrastructure, we have made significant progress,” he said at the inaugural function of the Apollo Trinity Medical Centre here.
Acknowledging the need for better diagnostic services in Meghalaya, Sangma expressed hope that the new center would help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for citizens who often have to travel outside the state for medical tests and treatments.
“This facility (Apollo Trinity Medical Centre( will bridge many gaps in our medical ecosystem and bring quality healthcare closer to the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that the government has adopted many initiatives to improve healthcare in the state, besides recruiting 500 doctors, the introduction of solar-powered sub-centers, and digitisation of medical records.
He stressed the importance of proper diagnostics and patient care, urging the medical professionals at the center to ensure compassionate service.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the challenges in maintaining Shillong’s environment and pledged government support for infrastructure improvements, including cleaning up drains and beautifying the city.
He concluded by thanking Apollo Hospitals and Trinity Healthcare for bringing the project to life.
Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh emphasised the necessity of the facility, noting that the high costs of traveling for medical treatments outside the state had been a financial burden for many families.
She stated that the Apollo Trinity Medical Centre would offer hope to those in need, ensuring that quality healthcare was available within Meghalaya itself.
Lyngdoh also stressed the importance of having a top-tier medical facility within Shillong to bridge such financial stress.
Chief Secretary Donald Philips Wahlang in his speech provided an insightful historical perspective on Shillong’s prominence as a medical hub in the early 20th century and urged all stakeholders to maintain the highest standards of healthcare delivery and to ensure that Apollo Trinity Medical Center serves as a beacon of hope and medical excellence in Meghalaya.
Rana Dasgupta, Regional CEO – East, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, reaffirmed Apollo’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare in Meghalaya. He underscored Apollo’s focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the importance of early diagnosis. He emphasized patient-centric care, quick diagnostic reports, and high-quality treatment as the center’s priorities.
The Apollo Trinity Medical Center is equipped with advanced diagnostic services, including ECG, TMT, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests (PFT), ultrasound, X-ray, dental care, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and an integrated lab linked with Apollo Diagnostics.
The radiology department is connected to Apollo TeleRadiology International, ensuring expert consultations and reports.
In the second phase of expansion, the center plans to introduce dialysis, endoscopy, CT scans, and MRI services. A dedicated patient app will be launched for appointment bookings, home sample collections, and access to digital medical records, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.
The centre also aims to offer telemedicine consultations with top Apollo specialists from Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, further expanding access to expert medical advice.
With continued government support and private-sector partnerships, Meghalaya is poised to reclaim its reputation as a leading healthcare destination in the Northeast.
The center was formally launched in December 2024 with a blessing ceremony led by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh and Father Richard M Majaw, and today’s inauguration marks the beginning of its full-scale operations.
