SHILLONG, JUL 9: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday reviewed the ongoing development at Baghmara Civil Hospital in South Garo Hills and directed officials to accelerate all works so that residents get better and more reliable healthcare services soon.
Accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary for Health Dr. Sampath Kumar, the South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner and senior health department officials, the Chief Minister assessed both the infrastructure upgrades and the hospital’s service delivery.
The hospital has shown clear signs of improvement over the past year. Its operation theatre, which became functional in 2025, has already supported 85 surgeries including 42 Caesarean sections. In 2025, Baghmara Civil Hospital treated 20,108 outpatients and admitted 2,334 patients.
The demand continues to grow, with 10,143 outpatients recorded in just the first six months of 2026. Emergency obstetric and C-section services are now available at the facility, and a transit home currently provides accommodation for four expectant mothers close to the hospital ahead of delivery.
Four major works worth around Rs 11.37 crore are currently in progress. The renovation of the old CHC building that now houses a refurbished outpatient department has reached 85 percent completion.
The new overhead water tank being constructed by the PHE Department is 70 percent complete at a cost of Rs 0.77 crore.
Work is also underway on the renovation of 25 residential quarters for medical and paramedical staff, sanctioned at Rs 3.40 crore.
Meanwhile, tendering is in process for Phase-II of the hospital expansion, which will take it to 70 beds with an outlay of Rs 4.20 crore.
Following Additional Chief Secretary Health’s visit on June 22, several new facilities are being taken up with support under Central schemes.
Plans include setting up a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, with equipment procurement and staff training already being initiated. A blood bank will be made operational in phases, and an operational plan for it is being prepared.
The existing transit home for expectant mothers is also being expanded using prefabricated structures to accommodate 10 to 15 women, while a full-fledged birth waiting home is under process.
An integrated 50-bedded Mother and Child Health wing is also on the cards.The review meeting also discussed the proposal to upgrade Chokpot Community Health Centre into a First Referral Unit. The upgraded CHC is envisioned to provide comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care, along with a blood storage unit, newborn stabilisation unit, and 24×7 referral services.
On human resources, the Chief Minister stressed the need to expedite recruitment of specialists. The District Health Society has already advertised for a Gynaecologist and a Paediatrician, and steps are being taken to strengthen the hospital’s nursing and paramedical workforce as well.
“These works must translate into reliable, good quality care for the people of South Garo Hills,” Sangma said, asking the Health and Family Welfare Department to treat the projects on priority and submit regular progress reports.
