SHILLONG, Feb 24: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong (IIPHS) Bill 2026, paving the way for the institute to be upgraded to a state university.
Announcing the decision after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the move will strengthen public health capacity across the Northeast.
“This will be an important institution for the entire Northeast. It can build the public health cadre not just for Meghalaya but for the region,” Shylla said.
University status to expand academic role
Once granted university status, IIPHS — currently the only dedicated public health institute in the region — will be able to award academic degrees to public health scholars and professionals.
The minister emphasized the institute’s contributions in:
research and training
data-driven healthcare interventions
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training
addressing vaccine hesitancy
behavioural healthcare initiatives
He noted that the institute will function primarily as a research-focused university guiding evidence-based public health actions.
Strengthening healthcare response capacity
Shylla said the university will operate on a self-sustaining model while supporting the state government in building a trained workforce capable of responding to health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need for research-driven healthcare
The push for strengthening research institutions gained urgency following the passing of former MP Ricky AJ Syngkon.
“We need professionals engaged in research, especially in epidemiology and disease control,” Shylla added.
The upgrade is expected to position Meghalaya as a regional hub for public health education, research, and policy support.