In accordance with the provisions set forth in the Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) Act, 2010 (Act No. 6 of 2011) and the UGC Regulations, Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya, has implemented a comprehensive Health Centre designed to cater to the medical and wellness needs of its students, faculty, and staff. The University recognizes the critical importance of maintaining the physical and mental well-being of its academic community, and as such, the Health Centre stands as an indispensable resource in achieving this objective.
The Health Centre at Mahatma Gandhi University was established with the primary aim of ensuring accessible healthcare services, promoting health awareness, and enhancing the overall wellness of the University population. It aligns with the national health policies, student welfare initiatives, and University’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and healthy academic environment.
Objectives and Functions of the Health Centre
The core mission of the Health Centre is to provide high-quality medical care to students, staff, and faculty members in an efficient and timely manner. The specific objectives of the Health Centre are as follows:
The Health Centre offers essential medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of common ailments, first aid, and emergency care. The Centre operates daily, ensuring that medical support is available to all members of the University community.
In line with the University’s holistic development agenda, the Health Centre organizes regular health awareness programs, workshops, and seminars on topics such as nutrition, mental health, reproductive health, and preventive healthcare. These programs are aimed at fostering a culture of proactive health management among students.
The Health Centre places significant emphasis on preventive healthcare through immunization drives, screening programs, and regular health check-ups. This preventive approach is designed to detect health issues early and manage them effectively to ensure the long-term well-being of the University community.
The University Health Centre has a dedicated team of counselors and mental health professionals who provide confidential counseling services to students and staff members. Mental health support is a key component of the University’s commitment to creating a conducive academic environment, free from the stress and pressures that often accompany higher education.
The Health Centre works in collaboration with local hospitals, clinics, and medical practitioners to ensure that students and staff have access to specialized care when needed. This collaboration is particularly important for cases requiring advanced treatment or urgent medical attention that cannot be handled by the Health Centre alone.
In partnership with leading health insurance providers, the Health Centre offers basic health insurance coverage to students and staff. The Centre also plays a crucial role in coordinating emergency services, ensuring that individuals are promptly referred to appropriate medical facilities in case of critical health conditions.
Composition and Staffing of the Health Centre
To ensure the efficient delivery of medical services, the Health Centre is equipped with qualified medical professionals and staff members who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Centre. The staffing composition is designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the University community. Below is the table outlining the composition and staffing structure of the Health Centre:
Position |
Name of Member |
Details |
Chief Medical Officer |
Dr. Bhaben Choudhury |
Full-time, Responsible for overall management and medical care delivery |
Medical Officers |
Dr. Munti Bhattacharya |
2 Full-time medical officers, available for diagnosis, treatment, and emergency care |
Nurses |
Waikhom Ranjana Devi |
3 Full-time nurses, responsible for assisting doctors and providing first aid |
Mental Health Counsellor |
Dr. Priyanka Goswami |
1 Full-time counselor, responsible for providing mental health support and counseling services |
Pharmacist |
Washim Akram |
1 Full-time pharmacist, responsible for managing prescriptions and dispensing medication |
Health Educators |
Priyanka Buzarbaruah |
2 Part-time educators, responsible for organizing health awareness programs |
Administrative Staff |
Archana Das |
1 Full-time officer, manages the administrative functions and patient records |
Support Staff |
Saphiiaibet Lyngdoh |
2 Part-time staff members, ensuring cleanliness and maintaining the health facility |
The Chief Medical Officer holds ultimate responsibility for the management and operation of the Health Centre. Supporting the Chief Medical Officer are medical officers, nurses, a pharmacist, and a mental health counselor, who collectively ensure that all health services are delivered in a timely and professional manner. The Health Educators play a pivotal role in organizing outreach programs to educate the University community on health matters, while administrative staff ensure that the administrative functions of the Centre are effectively managed.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The Health Centre is housed in a modern, well-equipped facility on the University campus, designed to provide a comfortable and conducive environment for medical care. The infrastructure includes:
Implementation and Efficiency
The Health Centre at Mahatma Gandhi University is designed to be both accessible and efficient in meeting the healthcare needs of students, faculty, and staff. Its services are delivered in a streamlined manner, with a focus on ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care without unnecessary delays. The Health Centre is equipped with a digital system for patient record management, ensuring that health data is stored securely and can be accessed by medical staff in real-time.
A robust feedback mechanism is in place, allowing students and staff to provide input on the services offered by the Health Centre. This feedback is regularly reviewed by the administration to improve the quality of healthcare services and ensure that the needs of the University community are being effectively met.
In addition, the Health Centre maintains strong links with external healthcare providers, ensuring that cases beyond the Centre’s capacity are swiftly referred to appropriate facilities. The collaboration with local hospitals and clinics guarantees that students and staff have access to advanced treatment options when required.
Impact and Contribution to University Life
The Health Centre plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall well-being of the University’s academic community. By ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have access to comprehensive medical services, the Centre contributes significantly to creating a supportive, healthy, and conducive environment for learning and work.
The Centre's emphasis on preventive healthcare, health awareness, and mental health support has greatly enhanced the University’s focus on holistic development. The provision of regular health check-ups and the organization of health education programs have led to greater awareness of health issues among the University community, fostering a culture of proactive health management.
In conclusion, the Health Centre at Mahatma Gandhi University is a cornerstone of the institution’s student welfare and health initiatives. The Centre’s efficient and accessible healthcare services, alongside its strong focus on prevention, health education, and mental well-being, significantly contribute to the overall academic and personal development of students. By adhering to the provisions of the MGU Act, 2010 (Act No. 6 of 2011) and UGC guidelines, the University continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of its academic community.
We remain steadfast in our dedication to providing high-quality healthcare services and will continue to enhance the Health Centre’s offerings, ensuring its alignment with national health objectives and University goals.
