Shillong: In a significant step for MBBS admissions in Meghalaya, the state cabinet has recently approved the Meghalaya Private Medical Institution (Regulation of Admission, Fixation of Fees, and Reservation) Ordinance, 2024, also known as the Meghalaya Medical College Regulation and Admission into MBBS Course, 2024.

The ordinance will officially take effect after receiving the signature of the Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya.

This decision aims to enable students to enroll in the P.A. Sangma International Medical College at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). "Following this, the P.A. Sangma Medical College at USTM will commence operations soon," stated an official release, as reported by IANS.

The university's authorities and the construction of the medical college faced controversy after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that unscientific tree cutting on the USTM campus was responsible for a major flash flood in Guwahati.

However, during a Wednesday meeting in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, as part of the Cabinet on the Move initiative, the Meghalaya Cabinet passed the Meghalaya Private Medical Institution (Regulation of Admission, Fixation of Fees, and Reservation) Ordinance, 2024, along with the Meghalaya Medical College Regulation and Admission into MBBS Course, 2024.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh confirmed that the cabinet has approved the ordinance. The cabinet will reconvene to establish the regulatory body, according to UNI reports.

The regulatory committee will soon be notified, and the policies regarding fee structure, implementation of the reservation system, and seat allocation will be enforced according to government norms and guided by various court rulings, Dr. Lyngdoh explained.

Once the governor signs the ordinance, which will be formally notified, the P.A. Sangma Medical College, named after the former Lok Sabha Speaker, will officially begin its operations.