Union Health & Family Welfare minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Saturday categorically affirmed that he would personally monitor and stay in touch with state government to ensure timely completion of the medical colleges in Kohima and Mon.
Interacting with media persons here after visiting the Nagaland Medical College at Phriebagei, Kohima, Dr. Vardhan said though the works have been “over delayed” he expressed happiness at the current progress.
The minister also expressed optimism with the deadline set by the state government to complete the project by the middle of 2022.
“This is what we wanted to review,” Dr. Vardhan said and also assured that the Central government will continue to take care of Nagaland.
Earlier on Friday, when Dr. Vardhan laid the foundation stone for the Mon Medical college he said that works were expected to commence as early as possible and that there was no reason for any delay. He also expressed the desire to again visit Nagaland to oversee the completion of the two medical colleges.
Dr. Vardhan asserted that the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was focussed on delivering a new North East to the nation, by bringing all-round development and strengthening connectivity and the health care system.
With huge increases in the funds for healthcare, sanitation and drinking water services in current year’s union budget, Dr. Vardhan said many good will be seen in the coming years to strengthen the goal for providing good health to the people.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the medical college site here, the union minister was briefed about the ongoing works and other issues.
Dr. Vardhan was accompanied by Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom, advisor Dr Neikesalie Nicky Kire, NPF legislator Khriehu Liezietsu and officials.
After inspecting the Kohima Medical College, Dr Vardhan along with his wife paid a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery where they offered floral tributes to the fallen heroes of World War II.
Earlier in the day, the visiting union minister was accorded a warm welcome at Kohima village during a reception in the Kohima Village Council hall.
Clad in traditional Naga attire, Dr Vardhan expressed his profound gratitude to the people of Nagaland for the robust hospitality they had given to him.
Kohima Village Council, chairman Helievio Solo expressed gratitude to the Dr. Vardhan and his wife for visiting the village and urged the minister for early completion of the ongoing Medical college construction for improvement of health care system in Nagaland.
The union minister also visited Nagaland Civil Secretariat and Urban Primary Health Centre, Seikhazou in the morning.
It may be mentioned that the two medical colleges have been sanctioned 100 seats each.