In a landmark event blending recognition with festive cheer, the health services fraternity of Meghalaya came together for its first-ever awards and Christmas celebration. The Joint Directorate of Health Services hosted the milestone programme on December 9 at the Ratson Pavilion on the outskirts of Shillong.
Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare
The event was graced by Wailadmiki Shylla, the State Minister of Health and Family Welfare, alongside senior officials from the department. The ceremony served a dual purpose: to honour significant achievements and to foster a spirit of unity ahead of the Christmas season. An official from the health department stated that the programme successfully highlighted both past accomplishments and future aspirations for the state's medical services.
Recognising Quality and Specialised Care
The centrepiece of the celebration was the recognition of 15 health facilities across Meghalaya that have been certified under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). This certification is a testament to their consistent upholding of high-quality care protocols.
Beyond the NQAS honours, the department presented five special awards for outstanding accomplishments in specific healthcare initiatives. These awards recognised excellence in:
- LaQshya: For initiatives improving the quality of care in labour rooms and maternity operation theatres.
- MusQan: For efforts in creating child-friendly health services.
- NABL Certification: For maintaining high-quality standards in laboratory systems.
Government's Commitment and a Call for Unity
In his address, Minister Wailadmiki Shylla commended the "extraordinary commitment" demonstrated by healthcare teams throughout Meghalaya. He used the platform to reaffirm the government's unwavering dedication to a core mission: making quality healthcare both accessible and affordable for every citizen in the state.
The Minister also issued a call to action, urging the entire health fraternity to continue their cooperation, maintain sincerity, and redouble their collective efforts. He emphasised that such unity is essential for building a more robust and responsive public health system for Meghalaya.
This inaugural awards-cum-Christmas celebration has set a new precedent for acknowledging hard work within Meghalaya's health sector. It marks a significant step towards boosting morale and encouraging a continued focus on excellence in patient care across the state's medical institutions.
