DIMAPUR: State health & family welfare (H&FW) minister P Paiwang Konyak has directed the executing agency to expedite the remaining works on the Mon Medical College (MMC), saying construction should proceed without further delay as the working season was already underway.
Inspecting the ongoing construction of MMC on Wednesday, Konyak also stressed that the designated teaching hospital, Mon district hospital, must be equipped with all infrastructure, facilities and services required to support medical education and quality patient care.
He assured the department and contractor of the state government’s full support for timely completion of the project.
The minister and his team inspected the proposed water source, helipad and various academic, residential and support facilities on the campus before visiting Mon district hospital.
The chief medical officer briefed the delegation on healthcare services in the district and ongoing departmental activities.
The inspection team included commissioner and secretary H&FW Kevileno Angami, secretary H&FW S Tainiu Khiam, principal director H&FW Dr Keveduyi Theyo, joint director H&FW Dr Kika Longkumer and medical engineering division executive engineer Therouovituo Pienyu.
Pienyu informed the team that about 65% of the project had been completed. He attributed the delay to the limited working season, prolonged adverse weather conditions and landslides in Mon district, which disrupted the transportation of construction materials for more than two months.
The contractor has consequently sought an extension of about eight months to complete the project.
Major structures under construction include the medical college and administrative blocks, boys’ and girls’ hostels, the Dean’s and Medical Superintendent’s residences, staff quarters and the autopsy block. The indoor sports complex, nursing college and guest house are nearing completion.
Konyak said there should be no shortage of essential facilities at Mon district hospital, which has been designated as the teaching hospital for MMC, to ensure it is fully prepared for medical education and patient care.
Following the inspection, the visiting team expressed satisfaction with the quality of workmanship and overall progress of the project.
The minister and officials also held a meeting with representatives of the Mon village council and landowners, in the presence of engineering wing officials, to discuss matters related to the project.
