Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 809/04

LAPANG INAUGURATES MAWIONG CHC

The Meghalaya Chief Minster, Dr. D.D. Lapang today inaugurated the Mawiong-Umjapung Community Health Centre at Mawiong in the presence of Meghalaya Health Minister, Mr. Sayeedullah Nongrum and Mr. P.T. Sawkmie, Co-chairman Meghalaya State Planing Board, who is also the local MLA of the area.

It may be mentioned here that the foundation stone of the 30-bedded CHC was laid down in May 2000 by the then Health Minister, Dr. Donkupar Roy. The CHC was constructed at a total cost of Rs.1.71 crore.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Lapang expressing his pleasure on the occasion said that providing better health facilities to the people of the State is the top priority of the Government. He informed that the sanction for the setting up of a cancer hospital in Shillong is being awaited and a hospital for mental treatment and neurological sciences is under construction at Ganesh Das Hospital.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Lapang expressing his pleasure on the occasion said that providing better health facilities to the people of the State is the top priority of the Government. He informed that the sanction for the setting up of a cancer hospital in Shillong is being awaited and a hospital for mental treatment and neurological sciences is under construction at Ganesh Das Hospital. As large number of patients go outside the State for treatment and as most of the poor could not afford the same, Dr. Lapang opined that providing health facilities and better infrastructure in the PHCs and CHCs in the State would mitigate the problems faced by patients and improve the health status of the people especially in the rural areas.

Meghalaya Health Minister, Mr. Sayeedullah Nongrum, speaking as the Guest of Honour urged the people of the area to have a feeling of ownership toward the CHC and to take proper care of it while availing its facilities. He expressed his gratefulness to all concerned in expediting the completion of the CHC.

Delivering his brief speech, the Co-chairman Meghalaya State Planning Board, Mr. P.T. Sawkmie said that the inauguration of the CHC was a red letter day for the people of the area. He also said that the local people could avail of all the facilities available and especially cases of emergent nature such as delivery and accidents. Later he called upon the people for their co-operation in the smooth functioning of the CHC.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. W.M.S. Pariat, IAS, Principal Secretary Health and Dr. (Mrs) B. Lyndem, Director of Health Services (MCH&FW) and Dr. G.S. Marbaniang, District Medical Health Officer. The function was chaired by Rev. N.P.W. Warjri of Mawiong Presbyterian Church.

Press Release No. 810/04

LAPANG INAUGURATES SHILLONG MUSLIM UNION CENTENARY CELEBRATION

The Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. D.D. Lapang, today inaugurated the Centenary Celebration of the Shillong Muslim Union (SMU) at Umshyrpi College. Others present on the occasion were Mr. Sayeedullah Nongrum, Meghalaya Health Minister and Secretary SMU, Mrs. J. Phanbuh, local MLA.

The Shillong Muslim Union was founded on 3rd December, 1905 with an aim to bring closeness between the Muslim community of Shillong and other adjoining places namely Assam Sylhet during the pre–Independence era. It also aimed at representing the needs and the problems of the community to the government. The Union is also involved in social upliftment activities by way of setting up schools and colleges.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr. Lapang expressed his pleasure to be associated with a function which had ‘travelled a hundred years’. He added that SMU is part and parcel of the State of Meghalaya which also shares its responsibility for a better future of the State. Peaceful co-existence and communal harmony present in the State would aptly make India not only a greatest democracy but also a country with ‘Unity in diversity” he added. As human beings, there is always a tendency to forget, therefore he urged the SMU to engraved the names of the founder of the Union in the golden page of their accounts else those great persons go unnoticed by the future generation, he opined.

Dr. Lapang said that at present there is scarcity of true leadership which he hoped that the presence of such organisation like the SMU would produce responsible citizens who are broad minded and who would be an asset to the society and the state as a whole.

Other who spoke on the occasion were Mr. Sayeedullah Nongrum, Meghalaya Health Minister and Janab C.Z. Ghaffoor.

The querat was read by Fayaz.

Press Release No. 811/04

S. NONGRUM INAUGURATES SEMINAR OF THE STATE CANCER SOCIETY OF MEGHALAYA

The Meghalaya Health Minister, Mr. S Nongrum inaugurated the CME for Oncologists of the North East Region Seminar organized by the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya (SCSM), Department of Health & Family Welfare, at Hotel Polo Tower, Shillong today.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. Nongrum congratulated the initiative taken by the SCSM for organizing such a seminar; he further stated that the SCSM has done a tremendous job to arrest cancer in the State. Mr. Nongrum said that cancer should be treated properly, adding that early detection of cancer is a success to each and every person.

Mr. Nongrum also informed that on 23rd November 2004 he had personally met the Union Health Minister, Dr. Randoss in New Delhi, adding that Dr. Randoss had promised the State Government to setup a 100 bedded Cancer Hospital in NEIGHRIM to cater the needs of the people of the State and the entire region.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. W M S Pariat. Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare who is also the Chairman of the SCSM, Mr. K S Kropha, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. F U Ahmed, Director, NEIGHRIM, while Dr. J Syiemlieh, Secretary SCSM delivered a brief report of the SCSM activities.

The Seminar was participated by Doctors and Specialists from different parts of the North Eastern States.