Construction of Tura Medical College in progress

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has informed that the work for the construction of the Tura medical college is progressing.

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“We have about 45 per cent of physical progress. There are some problems (and) we are engaging with other nearby hospitals to ensure that we reach the mark of 450 beds as recommended by the MCI,” Lyngdoh told reporters.

She said that there were also certain problems with the availability of funds but that also has been sorted out.

The minister also announced that she will be visiting the construction site very shortly and said, “I am waiting for the model code of conduct to be completed quickly so I can begin to go on the ground to understand better but the Tura Medical College is progressing.

On the proposal to set up the Shillong medical college, Lyngdoh said that the government is yet to formulate a finalized approach and the matter has still to be taken to the cabinet adding that “but internal engagements are on”.

“We still require proper cabinet note to be sent proper projections to be made but yes Shillong medical college will probably change from the old proposal,” she said while adding that “We may have a PPP proposal as proposed earlier but not necessarily in Shillong but somewhere in this part of the state but all of this is being prepared now and it would be incorrect for me to divulge too much on that but one message which can go very clearly is that we are a concern and we are on the job and we will come up with a proposal and a plan at the earliest.”

When asked, Lyngdoh said, “We want these institutions to be materialized within the timeline that was specified. I know that yes we were told to institute one and it has been done in the Garo region yes we have to institute something in the Khasi region or the Ri Bhoi region as well that is we are on the job and on the pipeline but we cannot spell it out with full authority as we are still at a discussion level and we still looking at what is the best way forward.”

NHRC seeks info on de-addiction centres

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to chief secretaries of all the States and Union Territories (UTs) and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment seeking a report on the de-addiction centres.

The NHRC wanted to know how many de-addiction centres are presently available with the Government Sector, can private entities be allowed to set up de-addiction centres, are there any rules or regulations framed under the NDPS Act to regulate the de-addiction centres as mandated in Section 71 of NDPS Act.

It also asked as to what is the mechanism for providing training to the persons employed in such de-addiction centres; and to specify the mechanisms to regulate private de-addiction centres including charges/fees, employment of staff, counsellor, medical staff, food supplied and overall upkeep of such rehabilitation centres.

This came after the NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report of yet another death of an inmate at a private drug de-addiction centre, which is the third such incident in the recent past.

Reportedly, a 24-year-old man was beaten to death by the people running a De-addiction Centre in Chandramani area of Dehradoon, Uttarakhand on 10th April, 2023.

Prior to this, the Commission had taken suo motu cognizance of two similar incidents at De-addiction Centres in NOIDA and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and the reports have been sought.

The Commission has observed that all three rehabilitation centres, two in UP and one in Uttarakhand were being run by private entities. It needs serious consideration as to whether the De-addiction Centres can be allowed to be operated by private entities, and if it is so, whether State(s) have ensured sufficient safety measures in place to protect the interest of the inmates with a view to achieving the desired goal.

Notices have also been issued to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Uttarakhand calling for a detailed report in the instant case of the death of an inmate at Dehradoon Rehab Centre.

The reports should include the present status of the investigation of the case and compensation and relief, if any, provided to the Next of kin of the deceased.

According to the media report, carried on 13th April, 2023, the patients of the Dehradoon De-addiction Centre, have said that their beatings were frequent and routine, as were hunger and lack of hygiene. No doctor or counsellor ever visited the centre.