Shillong, Jan 24: The Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Shillong has opened a Regional Office in Tura, West Garo Hills to strengthen public health research, capacity building, and implementation support in the Garo Hills region.

The inauguration coinciding with Meghalaya Day, underscored the institute’s commitment to decentralised and region-specific public health action. The new office aims to work closely with district administrations, frontline health workers, and local communities to address the unique health challenges of the Garo Hills.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior district officials, health leaders, faculty members, and public health professionals, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based health planning and service delivery in the region.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Sandra Albert, Director, IIPH Shillong, highlighted that the Garo Hills face distinct environmental, socio-economic, and disease-related risk factors, calling for customised and locally responsive health interventions rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

“The Tura Regional Office will serve as a decentralised hub to support district health systems, strengthen community engagement, and translate research into action,” she said.

The new regional office is expected to support health systems strengthening initiatives, enhance focus on maternal and child health, build capacity among frontline health workers
and deepen collaboration with district health teams and the West Garo Hills administration.

The programme began with the introduction and felicitation of dignitaries. Mary Liza K Marak, Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, attended as the Chief Guest and lauded the institute’s efforts to bring public health expertise closer to the grassroots.

IIPH Shillong has, over the years, worked closely with the Government of Meghalaya and district administrations on multiple public health initiatives across the state. The establishment of the Tura office reinforces its growing role as a key public health knowledge and implementation partner in Northeast India.

The institute stated that the new office will help accelerate progress towards a healthier and more equitable Meghalaya, with special focus on underserved and high-need regions like the Garo Hills.

Also Read: Missing man found dead near Tura Medical College, no foul play suspected

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