USTM reports financial crisis over medical college funding

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has reported a severe financial crisis affecting the Purno A Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC). The university claims the Meghalaya government failed to honor a commitment to provide an interest-free loan of Rs 235 crore, which was intended to support the institution in exchange for providing healthcare benefits and managing 50% of MBBS seats under the state quota.

USTM stated that the current fee structure for state quota students, set at Rs 24.95 lakh annually, is “exceptionally low” and financially unviable for a self-financed college. This has led to difficulties in paying salaries and servicing bank loans, potentially stalling the development of hospital facilities and student housing.

In response to the situation, the Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) has called on Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to intervene. The MPYC is urging the government to clarify the fee structure and resolve the administrative disagreements between the state and the university to ensure that students selected under the state quota are not unfairly penalized by the ongoing financial and regulatory disputes.