The University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) has requested the state government to provide a ₹233 crore interest-free loan to support the establishment of the PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital. This would be the first private medical college in the state. USTM Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, shared this during a press briefing, expressing hope that the loan would be repaid within 20 years to the Meghalaya government.
Hoque mentioned that while the state government had approved financial assistance for the private-run medical college, the final decision on granting the loan is still pending. The National Medical Commission of India, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has already granted approval for the medical college to begin its MBBS program with 150 students for the 2024 academic session.
In a significant gesture, USTM has offered 40 MBBS seats to the state of Meghalaya, with 25 of these being provided free of cost to students from the state, alongside free general healthcare services for local patients at the hospital.
Hoque also responded to recent comments made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had indicated that USTM graduates may not be eligible for government jobs in Assam. The Chancellor firmly stated that no one can restrict graduates from any recognized university from securing employment anywhere in India, emphasizing that USTM is an “A Grade” university and fully accredited by the Indian government.
USTM continues to focus on providing state-of-the-art facilities and aims to ensure that its students can access employment opportunities across the country.
