Meghalaya has become the leading state in the country in terms of healthcare budget allocation, dedicating nearly 9% of its overall expenditure to the sector. Inaugurating the Apollo Trinity Medical Centre at Lower Nongrim Hills, Shillong, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming healthcare through digital record-keeping, starting with Ri Bhoi district.
“More than 8 percent, almost 9 percent, of our expenditure of our overall budget is on healthcare, and that makes us the number one in the country to spend the maximum percentage of the budget on healthcare,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced an initiative to digitize medical records for all 38 lakh residents while ensuring data confidentiality. “We are now going to be creating an online system where the entire patient record—OPD, everything—will be available to the doctor at any given time. If the patient is coming here to Apollo, with the necessary permissions, the full medical history will be accessible from the first consultation onwards. This system has started in Ri Bhoi, and we want to expand it throughout the state,” he said.
Sangma also spoke about key initiatives to strengthen Meghalaya’s healthcare system, including recruiting 500 doctors, introducing solar-powered sub-centers, and enhancing diagnostics and patient care. He emphasized the importance of compassionate service and assured government support for city beautification and infrastructure improvements.
The event was attended by Health Minister Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary D P Wahlang, and Apollo Hospitals Regional CEO (East) Rana Dasgupta. The Apollo Trinity Medical Centre, a collaboration between Trinity Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals, is equipped with advanced diagnostic services, including ECG, TMT, echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, ultrasound, X-ray, dental care, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and an integrated lab linked with Apollo Diagnostics. The radiology department is connected to Apollo TeleRadiology International, ensuring expert consultations and reports.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh underscored the need for redevelopment of the municipal board colony in East Shillong, stressing that “the dignity of life of individuals must be supported and encouraged by the government.”
In its second phase, the medical center plans to introduce dialysis, endoscopy, CT scans, and MRI services. A dedicated patient app will allow appointment bookings, home sample collections, and access to digital medical records, streamlining services. Telemedicine consultations with top Apollo specialists from Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati will further expand access to expert healthcare.