SHILLONG, JUN 22: GAD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun on Monday conducted an inspection and informed that the state government will construct a new Meghalaya House in Vellore to accommodate the growing number of patients from the state seeking treatment at CMC Vellore.

The Minister, accompanied by the Commissioner & Secretary, OSD and staff of Meghalaya House Vellore, conducted an on-site inspection followed by a review meeting to assess the building’s condition and future requirements.

“We are having the inspection and at the same time we are having a review meeting where we could take certain decisions with regards to the condition of the Meghalaya House here at Vellore,” Sohtun said.

Describing the current structure as “a very old building” with approximately 30 rooms, the Minister said it has been serving Meghalaya patients traveling to CMC Vellore for years. He noted that patient numbers have been rising steadily.

“The number of patients has increased from one year to another. In 2025, we have crossed 212 patients,” he said, adding that patients and attendants have expressed satisfaction with the accommodation and services provided.Sohtun also acknowledged the support services extended by the state government.

“I would also like to thank our Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and government of Meghalaya for also providing the transportation for the patients. We already given vehicles to ferry to transport the patients going in the morning and coming back in the evening where they have to go for treatment. They have saved a lot as the vehicle charge is free of cost,” he said.

Citing a recent PWD engineering report, the Minister said the building’s condition has deteriorated significantly.

“This is the time where we as government has to take decision where according to the report from the engineer of PWD that the building condition here in Meghalaya House, Vellore is very bad and we have to take decision,” Sohtun stated.

As an immediate measure, the government will shift patients to a hired guest house from next month.

“We have to hire new guest house so that we can accommodate the patients who are coming from Shillong to CMC Vellore and from next month, we will be shifting where we can help patients to stay in the guest house,” he said.For the long term, the government plans to construct a new Meghalaya House with expanded capacity.

“With this decision to shift the patients, we have to also take decision to construct the new Meghalaya House in Vellore where we are seeking the help of the government from the planning and finance departments so that we could get the approval for the construction of the new building,” the Minister said.He added that the new facility will more than double current capacity.

“Presently, we have 13 rooms and it will double and triple the number of rooms, which we can accommodate more patients to stay in the Meghalaya House Vellore,” Sohtun said.