Sohra, Nov 20: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the new Operation Theatre at Sohra Community Health Centre (CHC) and laid the foundation stone for Sohra Market Phase-II on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. The programme was attended by Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Health & Family Welfare; Balajied Kupar Synrem, MLA Shella; Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA Sohra; Health & Family Welfare Secretary Dr. Joram Beda, IAS; Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills R.M. Kurbah, IAS; officials from the health department; CHC doctors, nurses and staff; community leaders; NGOs; and local residents.
During the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasised working with dedication and purpose rather than treating responsibilities as routine. Highlighting Meghalaya’s maternal mortality rate of 230 in 2018—the highest in the country at the time—he outlined government initiatives such as the ₹500-per-day support scheme for pregnant women and attendants, improved transport facilities, and safe motherhood homes, which have contributed to reducing the rate. He also announced the introduction of Outcome-Based Budgeting to allocate funds to PHCs and CHCs based on performance and actual needs.
The Chief Minister also highlighted key infrastructure projects, including the ₹2,000 crore World Bank-funded Umtyngar–Mawsmai road, and noted that Sohra has been selected by the PMO, DoNER Ministry, and Tourism Department as the first location in the state—and the country—to be developed as a world-class tourist destination.
Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the Sohra region has received special attention under the Chief Minister’s leadership. He stressed that maternal mortality remains a concern despite Meghalaya’s matrilineal society and outlined initiatives such as CMSMS, transit homes, transport support for pregnant women, and MHIS. He also announced that 34 doctors have recently been appointed, with recruitment ongoing for 150 more to ensure all health facilities are adequately staffed.
MLA Shella, Balajied Kupar Synrem, appreciated the dedication of CHC staff and thanked villagers and community leaders for their support, urging continued collaboration with the healthcare centre. MLA Sohra, Gavin M. Mylliem, highlighted that 8% of the state budget is allocated to the health sector and shared that ₹12 crore has been sanctioned for Sohra Market Phase-II, along with ₹4 crore under MOTA for Phase-I, to boost local economic activity and support shopkeepers.
The event was chaired by M.A. Challam, ADC i/c SDO Civil Sohra Sub Division. The programme began with a welcome address by DMHO Dr. A.J.O. Kharduit, who highlighted the CHC’s NQAS and Laqkshya certifications for quality healthcare. Senior Specialist Dr. K. Kharnaior detailed the history and progress of the CHC, noting zero maternal deaths since 2017.
The inauguration of the Operation Theatre and the market development initiative mark significant steps in improving healthcare infrastructure and local economic growth in Sohra.
