SHILLONG : Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla has once again pressed the Union Government to grant Institute of National Importance (INI) status to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), stating that the institute’s growth and expansion are being hampered by the lack of administrative autonomy.
Speaking after a recent inspection of the institute, Shylla said the issue was strongly raised by the NEIGRIHMS administration, including its Director and senior officials.
“Another key issue we want to push is granting INI status to NEIGRIHMS by the Union Government. This is very important for the institute’s growth,” the Minister said.
According to him, the institute is facing several challenges due to its current administrative structure, which requires approval from authorities in New Delhi even for relatively minor matters.
“During my recent inspection, the Director and other officers raised the same concern. Without INI status, expansion is difficult. We want NEIGRIHMS to reach its full potential and utilise its infrastructure to the maximum,” Shylla stated.
He pointed out that the absence of greater autonomy has resulted in delays in decision-making and implementation of various developmental initiatives.
“Currently, even for minor matters, the institute has to seek permission from Delhi, which is causing delays and affecting its functioning,” he said.
The Health Minister informed that he has already taken up the matter with the Union Health Minister and the concerned committee at the Centre.
“I have personally taken this up with the Union Minister and the committee concerned. They have asked me to submit the relevant documents, and I will be travelling to Delhi soon for follow-up. I have also briefed the Chief Minister on this, as we need to push the matter strongly,” Shylla added.
The Meghalaya Government believes that granting INI status would provide NEIGRIHMS with greater administrative and academic autonomy, enabling faster expansion, improved healthcare services, and enhanced medical education facilities for the people of the Northeast.