The Administrative and Financial Section (AFS) of the Government of India, under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region (PM-DevINE), has sanctioned a sum of Rs 104.66 crore to the Manipur government for the improvement of healthcare facilities in the state’s hill districts.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Manipur on Wednesday, the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) stated that the amount was approved for the project titled “Providing Super-Specialty and Assured Specialty Healthcare in Remote and Hill Districts (Infrastructure and Equipment)” in Manipur.
Legislators from Manipur’s hill districts have raised concerns about the inadequate healthcare infrastructure numerous times in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. Residents of these districts have also been voicing their grievances for years, urging authorities to address the underdevelopment of the healthcare sector in these remote regions.
The total amount was allocated to five different hill districts of Manipur, including Chandel District Hospital, Chandel: Rs 1,55,31,955; Ukhrul District Hospital, Ukhrul: Rs 9,41,45,850; SDH, Jiribam, Jiribam District: Rs 6,16,40,316; Senapati District Hospital, Senapati: Rs 12,15,41,902; Tamenglong District Hospital, Tamenglong: Rs 11,95,22,169; Additional provisions included 9% CGST: Rs 3,71,14,397.28; 9% SGST: Rs 3,71,14,397.28; equipment with 18% GST: Rs 56 crore.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude and highlight the significance of the sanction: “For the first time, hill districts like Chandel, Ukhrul, Jiribam, Senapati, and Tamenglong will have access to advanced medical facilities like CT scans, MRI, ICU services, and super-specialty care—bringing healthcare closer to home. Not to mention, the Churachandpur Medical College is already operational, transforming healthcare in the region.
This recent sanction of Rs 104.66 crore under PM-DevINE is a step towards equitable healthcare for all. Heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Hon’ble Union Health Minister Shri @JPNadda Ji, and Hon’ble DoNER Minister Shri @JM_Scindia Ji for their relentless support for the development of Manipur.”
This development marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing healthcare disparities in Manipur’s hill districts. The sanctioned amount will help equip hospitals with advanced facilities like CT scans, MRI machines, and ICUs, making quality healthcare accessible to residents in remote areas.
