Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court on Thursday asked the state government should “explore the possibility” to establish a medical college in the state.
The State should seriously explore such possibilities as the setting up of such institutions will not only help the residents of the State but may also be of immense value to the residents of the neighbouring states and may also have the ability to propel development in the region,” a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh of the High Court said.
The bench was hearing a PIL filed by senior advocates. The state is yet to have a medical college; however, there have been efforts to have one in recent years.
“Though an affidavit has been filed by the state indicating the augmentation in the health services, several issues still need to be addressed,” the Court observed.
The High Court has been constantly monitoring the health scenario during the pandemic and seeking answers from the state government. This was after the PIL was filed by the senior advocates.
The PIL was filed after the family of a COVID-19 victim found it difficult to find a resting place for the deceased. The High Court then ordered the State government to register cases against those who obstruct control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Any person, local body, Durbar Shnong or organisation which obstructs the State authorities in the control of the pandemic or any matter connected thereto, such as dead body management, cremation and burial shall be dealt with in accordance with law and cases to be registered under appropriate provisions of law,” the Court ordered.
The order was passed back in 2020 by a Division Bench comprising Justice HS Thangkhiew and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, via video conferencing.
Meanwhile, the Division bench said that “apart from the obvious, in the light of the present pandemic,” regarding the health sector, the state government is yet to file submissions on other details of this crucial sector.
“Details as to the availability of neonatal care at government hospitals and the percentage of beds with the supply of oxygen need to be indicated,” it stated. The Court has listed the matter for hearing on February 3 next year.
