Meghalaya govt to construct new facility in Vellore amid rising patient footfall: Sohtun

Shillong, Jun 22: The Meghalaya government will construct a new Meghalaya House in Vellore to accommodate the growing number of patients from the state seeking treatment at CMC Vellore, General Administration Department Minister Sosthenes Sohtun announced on Monday following an inspection of the existing facility.

The Minister, accompanied by the Commissioner & Secretary, OSD and staff of Meghalaya House Vellore, carried out an on-site inspection and chaired a review meeting to assess the condition of the building and plan for future requirements.

“We conducted an inspection and held a review meeting to take decisions regarding the condition of Meghalaya House in Vellore,” Sohtun said.

Describing the current structure as a “very old building” with approximately 30 rooms, the Minister said it has been serving patients from Meghalaya who travel to CMC Vellore for specialized treatment for many years.

He noted a steady rise in patient numbers. “The number of patients has increased year after year. In 2025 alone, we have already crossed 212 patients,” he said, adding that patients and attendants have expressed satisfaction with the accommodation and services.Sohtun also acknowledged the state government’s support measures.

“I would like to thank Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Government of Meghalaya for providing free transportation for patients. We have deployed vehicles to ferry patients to and from the hospital in the morning and evening for treatment. This has helped them save significantly on travel costs,” he said.

Citing a recent report by PWD engineers, the Minister said the building’s condition has deteriorated substantially.

“According to the PWD engineer’s report, the condition of the building here at Meghalaya House, Vellore is very poor, and we must take a decision,” Sohtun stated.

As an immediate measure, the government will shift patients to a hired guest house from next month. “We will hire a new guest house to accommodate patients coming from Shillong for treatment at CMC Vellore, and from next month we will shift them there,” he said.

For a long-term solution, the government plans to construct a new Meghalaya House with expanded capacity. “Along with shifting patients, we have also decided to construct a new Meghalaya House in Vellore. We are seeking support and approval from the Planning and Finance departments for the construction of the new building,” the Minister said.

He added that the new facility will significantly increase capacity.

“At present we have 13 functional rooms. The new building will double or triple the number of rooms so that we can accommodate more patients and attendants at Meghalaya House Vellore,” Sohtun said.

Meghalaya House Vellore serves as transit accommodation for patients and attendants from the state who travel to Tamil Nadu for specialized medical treatment at CMC and other hospitals.

Also Read: JNV Mukhla students take pledge for drug-free, clean campus under NMBA & SBM campaign

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Two held, heroin worth several lakhs seized in ANTF ambush at Lumsurvey, Shillong