Centre considering relaxing guidelines for medical colleges in NE

New Delhi, Jul 3 (UNI) In view of the special needs of the north eastern states, the Centre is considering to revise guidelines for establishment of medical colleges in the region.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss told Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy, who called on him late last evening, that the Centre gave priority to north eastern states for revamping health infrastructure. He said keeping in mind the special needs of the region, the Central Government was actively considering relaxation regarding number of beds and patients load for establishing medical colleges.

With regard to the state's request for change in selection criteria for North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong, the Minister said the proposal would be considered in the context of norms and requirements of similar autonomous institutions established by the Centre.

The Minister encouraged the Meghalaya government to establish nursing colleges to meet the growing requirement. The Central Government would provide due support for such colleges.

Recognising the mosquito menace, Dr Ramadoss emphasised on an improved infrastructure for malaria control. He assured the Chief Minister that the Union Government was actively working to ensure malaria offices in all the districts of north eastern states.

The Chief Minister, who was accompanied by State's Health Minister A Pariong appraised the Union Health Minister about the status and requirements of the State Health infrastructure.

Dr Ramadoss reiterated the need for sincerely implementing the initiatives under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). He asked the Chief Minister to personally monitor the progress of the NRHM in the state and suggested that a review of the programme should be conducted at the Chief Minister level every three month.

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