Shillong: Meghalaya minister for health and family welfare A.L. Hek said Calcutta-based KPC Group will continue the private-public partnership (PPP) project for the proposed Shillong Medical College. The state government had signed an agreement with the firm in 2012 for setting up the college.

"The KPC Group will continue the project. If things change we will inform. Till date there is no reason to discontinue our talks with the KPC Group," Hek told reporters after a meeting with health officials here.

Recently, the Civil Society Women's Organisation, an NGO, opposed handing over of the medical college on the PPP mode. Head of the firm Kali P. Chaudhuri has a case registered against him by the enforcement directorate.

Asked whether the government would continue its ties with the KPC if proven guilty, Hek said the government will look at other options available. "We want a transparent company to work with."

Hek, who had earlier visited the proposed site at Reid Chest (TB) Hospital, said there is an urgent need to set up the college that will provide quality healthcare service.

"We have discussed construction of the college. There are certain issues that need to be addressed such as the road connecting the proposed college."

Hek added expansion of the road leading to the college was discussed in the meeting in the presence of local MLA, M. Rapsang, the headman and health officials.

Reacting to a query on shifting the Reid Chest (TB) Hospital to Umsawli, the minister said: "Today we have taken the same decision. If all necessary facilities are not in place for the new TB hospital at Umsawli, we will not shift a single patient from here."

"Basic amenities such as an approach road, water, electricity and some minor works are yet to be completed. We will first complete the hospital at Umsawli this year and after that we can shift all patients to the new hospital," Hek said.