Healthcare is government’s duty, not business: Opposition slams PPP move in Meghalaya's Tura Medical College

Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma, on Sunday (June 2), firmly stated that the state has not yet reached the stage where private participation in the health sector should be considered. The remarks come amid widespread debate and opposition over the alleged move to implement a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the upcoming Tura Medical College and Hospital (TMC&H).

Speaking during a visit to the nearly completed 100-bedded hospital in Chidaret, North Garo Hills, Dr. Sangma asserted that healthcare in the state must remain the government’s responsibility, particularly as central assistance is available for such infrastructure development.

“We have not reached the stage of allowing private investment in the health sector. After exhaustive due diligence during our time, we were convinced that it is not yet the time to pursue such partnerships,” said the senior AITC leader.

Dr. Sangma pointed out that the medical colleges, including TMC&H, are centrally funded, emphasizing the Union Government’s intent to plug healthcare gaps, especially in states lacking such institutions.

“The Centre is providing access to a central pool of resources to ensure states like Meghalaya can set up these institutions. It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure accessible healthcare and medical education,” he added.

He highlighted that while the state previously lacked the financial capacity to undertake such projects independently, the current support from the Government of India changes the equation.

“Earlier we considered private involvement due to resource constraints. But given the disadvantages and the current central support, there is no need to open this sector to private players,” he said, citing examples from Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal that have effectively utilized central funds.

Dr. Sangma urged the state government to complete the first sanctioned project (TMC&H) under full government ownership and not abdicate responsibility under the pretext of financial limitations.

“Challenges exist, but they are not insurmountable. Once we succeed with one, we can aim for a second and third. The government cannot simply wash its hands off this responsibility,” he stressed.

During his visit to Chidaret, Dr. Sangma lauded the efforts of the health department and construction teams. The hospital, which is 90% complete, is expected to be operational by July. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore, the project began in 2019–2020 and is envisioned as a future medical hub for the region.

He further noted Chidaret’s strategic location—near the Assam border and just two hours from Guwahati once the NH project is completed—positions it as a potential site for another medical college in the future.