Tura, Feb 7: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday laid the foundation stone for a 10-bed Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Merengipara in South West Garo Hills district, bringing traditional healthcare services closer to people living in the border region.
The Chief Minister stated that the new centre will focus on treatment systems such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and other traditional healing practices. Officials said the facility is intended to support preventive healthcare and wellness services and will not operate as a full general hospital. However, the Merengipara AYUSH Hospital South West Garo Hills project is expected to help residents who rely on traditional medicine for treatment and daily health care.
Local authorities mentioned that development works in the region are being closely monitored by the area’s MLA to ensure benefits reach villages located near the international border. Communities in the constituency often face travel and transport difficulties due to security restrictions in the border zone.
Residents highlighted that movement becomes difficult when the border road gate is closed early by the Border Security Force (BSF), affecting daily travel, trade, and access to services. The issue has been a long-standing concern for people living in nearby villages who depend on the route for commuting.
To reduce inconvenience, the local MLA has proposed the construction of a bypass road in the border area, which would allow movement even after the main border road is closed. Officials indicated that the proposal may be examined further as part of efforts to improve connectivity in the region.
During the programme, the Chief Minister also highlighted progress in the education sector, noting that a science and commerce college has recently started functioning in the area, enabling students to pursue higher studies without travelling long distances outside the district.
Local residents welcomed the new initiatives, saying that better healthcare facilities, education access, and improved roads are important for development in remote border areas of South West Garo Hills.
Officials added that the Merengipara AYUSH Hospital South West Garo Hills facility is expected to strengthen traditional medical services while providing an additional healthcare option for local communities once construction is completed.
