Sohra: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the new Operation Theatre at the Sohra Community Health Centre and laid the foundation stone for Phase-II of the Sohra Market project. The programme was attended by Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, MLAs Balajied Kupar Synrem and Gavin M. Mylliem, senior officials, CHC staff, community leaders and local residents.

Speaking at the event, Sangma urged officials to work with purpose, not habit. He recalled that Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate stood at 230 in 2018, the highest in the country at the time, and outlined measures introduced since then, including the daily support scheme for pregnant women, improved transport services and safe motherhood homes.

He also announced that the state will move to Outcome-Based Budgeting, which will allocate funds to health centres based on performance and specific needs.

The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the Rs.2,000 crore World Bank-funded Umtyngar–Mawsmai road. He said Sohra has been selected by the Prime Minister’s Office, the DoNER Ministry and the Tourism Department as the first location in the state—and the country—to be developed as a world-class tourist destination.

Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the region has received focused attention in recent years but added that maternal mortality remains a concern. He outlined schemes such as CMSMS, transit homes and transport support, and announced the recent appointment of 34 doctors, with recruitment in progress for 150 more.

Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem thanked CHC staff and community members for their cooperation, while Sohra MLA Gavin M. Mylliem noted that 8 percent of the state budget goes to health. He said ₹12 crore has been sanctioned for Sohra Market Phase-II and Rs.4 crore under MOTA for Phase-I to boost local trade and support shopkeepers.

The programme was chaired by M.A. Challam, ADC and in-charge SDO of the Sohra Civil Sub-Division. DMHO Dr. A.J.O. Kharduit delivered the welcome address, noting the CHC’s NQAS and Laqkshya certifications, while Senior Specialist Dr. K. Kharnaior outlined the centre’s progress, including zero maternal deaths since 2017.

The new Operation Theatre and the market expansion project mark important steps in strengthening healthcare and local economic development in Sohra.

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