Author: PIMC Admin

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, February 4, 2025: The PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMCH) at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) marked World Cancer Day today with a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program under the theme “United by Unique.” Organized by the Department of Microbiology in collaboration with the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and the Medical Education Unit at PIMCH, the event brought together medical professionals, faculty, and students for insightful discussions on cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr. M. N. Baruah, Founder Managing Director of North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, shared his expertise on the challenges and advancements in cancer treatment. The inaugural session witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries, including USTM Chancellor Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Vice Chancellor Prof. G. D. Sharma, Pro Vice Chancellor and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, PIMC Principal Prof. (Dr.) Abhinandan Das, USTM Director of Medical Education and Research Dr. Jogesh Sarmah, and PIMC MEU Coordinator Dr. Swaroop Baruah. Addressing the participants, USTM Vice Chancellor Prof. G. D. Sharma reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to fostering medical education and research in oncology. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing cancer awareness and treatment. Echoing similar sentiments, Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah pointed out that cancer is more prevalent in underdeveloped or developing countries due to inadequate healthcare systems. He emphasized that cancer is not only a medical challenge but also a deeply personal struggle. Speaking on the significance of early detection and preventive healthcare, PIMC Principal Prof. (Dr.) Abhinandan Das underlined the need for collective efforts beyond the medical community. He urged policymakers and society at large to contribute towards improving cancer care infrastructure and awareness. The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Debarati Saha, Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Gitartha Roy Medhi. A scientific session followed, featuring renowned experts, including Dr. M. N. Baruah, Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Prof. (Dr.) Abhinandan Das, Dr. H. K. Sarma (Professor and Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PIMCH), Dr. Anjan Jyoti Bhuyan (Assistant Professor, Department of ENT, PIMCH), Dr. Bandi Sangma (Assistant Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, PIMCH), and Dr. Debarati Saha (Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, PIMCH). The observance of World Cancer Day at PIMCH provided a vital platform for discussions on advancements in oncology, early diagnosis techniques, and improved treatment approaches. The event reaffirmed USTM’s commitment to medical excellence and its role in addressing critical healthcare challenges.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, December 14, 2024: The PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) has achieved a significant milestone by being empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The hospital facilities under this scheme have been operational since December 13, 2024. A letter from the National Health Authority, Government of India, confirmed that “after going through all the steps for hospital empanelment,” PIMC has been deemed eligible for inclusion under AB PM-JAY. As part of the implementation process, a team from the State Health Agency Meghalaya conducted a comprehensive training program at PIMC, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). This program focused on utilizing the Beneficiary Identification System (BIS), Transaction Management System (TMS), Medical Documentation, Claims and Adjudication, and Grievance Management under the AB PM-JAY. Doctors, nurses, and technical staff from PIMC actively participated in the training session to ensure seamless delivery of the scheme’s benefits to beneficiaries. Following the training, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital under the State Nodal Agency-Meghalaya, and Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd. This collaboration is pivotal for the effective implementation of the AB PM-JAY and the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) in the state. Dr. Mehjabeen Rahman, Principal Secretary of USTM, expressed her enthusiasm about this development. She stated, “PIMC has been authorized to register Meghalaya’s residents under the MHIS-PM JAY Scheme, enabling them to access extensive healthcare benefits provided by the State and Central Governments. Notably, Meghalaya stands out as the only state in India where patients can avail of Outpatient Department (OPD) services worth up to Rs 30,000 for free under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.” The training program was conducted by a distinguished team of officials, including: Skhemjingmut Law, IT Manager, MHIS & PMJAY; Natus Ladia, Monitoring and Control Officer, MHIS; Daniel G. Marbaniang, District Program Manager, MHIS & PMJAY; Jopskhen Lyngwa, HR Manager, MHIS; Brandon Bazeley Rymbai, IEC & Enrollment Manager; Anupam Chandra Marak, Claims Manager; Dr. Hawapaka Suting, Medical Officer, MHIS; and Sarat Mallicee, State Project Manager, Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd. This empanelment marks a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access and affordability for the people of Meghalaya. PIMC is committed to ensuring that the benefits of this landmark initiative reach every eligible individual in the state.

Beginning of PIMC is Inspiring: Prof Hasnain, IIT New Delhi 9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, November 11, 2024: The much-anticipated Orientation Program for the inaugural MBBS batch of PA Sangma International Medical College (PIMC) commenced today at the Central Auditorium of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The program will span over 14 days, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s medical education landscape. The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Padma Shri Prof. Dr. Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain, National Science Chair, IIT New Delhi, and former Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard and the University of Hyderabad. Other esteemed speakers included Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM; Prof. GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM; Dr. BK Das, Principal of PIMC; Dr. Jogesh Sharma, Director of Medical Education and Research, PIMC; and Dr. (Prof) Bhabani Prasad Chakravarty, Medical Director of Health City Hospitals. The event witnessed active participation from the Heads of various departments, faculty members, newly enrolled MBBS students, and their parents and guardians. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Seyed Ehtesham Hasnain lauded the visionary efforts of Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque in fostering excellence in education. He remarked, “The beginning of PIMC is truly inspiring. If it starts this way, imagine where it will be in 5 or 10 years—it will be just amazing.” Prof. Hasnain emphasized the importance of future advancements in medical science, touching on topics such as predictive knowledge, HIV and cancer care, and the role of beneficial bacteria in human health. He also spoke on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine while highlighting that computers can never replicate human compassion and empathy, qualities essential for healthcare professionals. He encouraged students to dedicate themselves to hard work, promising, “The hard work will not go unrewarded.” In his welcome address, Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque expressed his vision for PIMC, stating, “We must think out of the box. This Medical College is poised to be very special, building on the legacy we have created at USTM. Our focus is on fostering research and innovation.” Dr. BK Das, Principal of PIMC, motivated the students to be proactive, urging them to approach authorities with any concerns or suggestions. He assured them that the institution is committed to their holistic development. Dr. (Prof) Bhabani Prasad Chakravarty emphasized the importance of empathy in patient care, advising the future doctors to approach every patient with sensitivity and thoroughness. “Examine first, diagnose later. Only then can you ensure proper care,” he advised. Prof. GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM, spoke on the holistic development of students, encouraging them to embrace challenges and seize opportunities. “Start dreaming, have a vision, and pursue it relentlessly,” he urged the new MBBS students.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, October 6, 2024: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), a NAAC accredited A grade university, proudly announces a significant milestone in its educational journey with the nod from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and National Medical Commission (NMC) approving the PA Sangma International Medical College (PIMC), a joint venture of USTM and the Government of Meghalaya. In this context, a press conference was addressed here today by Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Founder Chancellor USTM; Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM; Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro VC USTM; Dr RK Sharma, Advisor USTM; Prof Dr Biraj Kumar Das, Principal, PIMC; and Dr Rashna Dass Hazarika, Medical Superintendent PIMC. Addressing the media, Shri Mahbubul Hoque said, “This is a historic achievement for USTM and a crucial step in our journey to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector of the region and the nation. From now onwards patients and students need not go outside the region for healthcare services.” Speaking to the media, Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah said, “PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital is also planning a super speciality hospital within the premise of USTM. This would be a 1000 beded hospital which would cater to the need of the patients from the entire North East and other parts of the country who need super speciality care like cardiology, cardiac surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, nephrology, urology, joint replacement and cancer care. We are planning to invite super specialist doctors from different countries to collaborate with us to develop the PIMC to a world class facility”. Prof GD Sharma stated, “This landmark development allows the medical college an intake of 150 students for its inaugural MBBS program, marking a new chapter in USTM’s commitment to providing top-tier education in the field of medicine”. Prof Dr Biraj Kumar Das said that PIMC has set milestones in three verticals: namely quality medical education, outstanding healthcare facility, and cutting-edge research facility. To achieve excellence, competent healthcare professionals have been engaged from all over the country. Dr Rashna Dass Hazarika said that the Academic Session will start from the last week of October 2024 inviting applications from aspiring doctors from across the country. PIMC will offer various attractive facilities for the MBBS students, he added. Named in honor of the late PA Sangma, a visionary leader and former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, PIMC is set to become a premier institution for medical education in Northeast India. The college will offer a competency-based curriculum designed to foster the development of medical professionals who are equipped to meet the healthcare needs of society. 40 seats are allotted as state government seats out of which 25 seats are as per the government fees structure and 15 seats will be in half of the university fees structure. In terms of healthcare facilities, 50% concession facilities for super speciality shall be offered to the patients from Meghalaya with free general treatment facilities. The state-of-the-art medical college aims to attract talented students from across the country and beyond. With the first batch of 150 students, PIMC is poised to set new standards in medical education and healthcare services. One of its major objectives is to attract ASEAN countries to avail healthcare facilities of PIMC in the near future.