SHILLONG, SEP 17: Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday highlighted the urgent need to increase sanctioned posts for doctors and nurses across the state, acknowledging that the healthcare system is under strain.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said, “We are in constant discussions with the Chief Minister, as well as the finance and planning departments, to ensure that we increase the sanctioned posts.” She emphasized the growing demand, stating, “The system is demanding more, but the necessary sanctions are not there.”
She further pointed out that the number of sanctioned posts for doctors and nurses has not seen any significant changes since 1972. “The number of nurses sanctioned in 1972 was based on the infrastructure at that time. Today, our facilities have expanded, reaching down to sub-centre levels, but the posts have not been updated to match this growth,” Lyngdoh explained.
The minister acknowledged that the shortage of specialist doctors is a bigger concern than the shortage of general medical officers. “Specialists, after completing their courses, must sign a bond to serve the state offering their specialization. We need to address these issues and work out strategies with the Government of India on how to move forward,” she added.
Lyngdoh also stressed the need to ensure that bonded doctors, who receive medical seats from Meghalaya’s quota, return to serve in the state. “It should be mandatory that all students who avail of a medical seat from Meghalaya’s quota come back to serve in the state,” she said, emphasizing the necessity of finding a solution by coordinating with both the central government and states where Meghalaya students pursue their studies.
She noted that Meghalaya receives around 95-96 medical seats each year but faces increasing competition due to a rise in NEET exam applications. “Many of our students have performed exceptionally well in NEET, so competition is going to be stiff,” Lyngdoh remarked.
On the subject of Meghalaya establishing its own medical college, the minister expressed optimism, stating, “There is a high probability that the first batch of MBBS students will commence in 2025.” She added, “We are hopeful and are taking all the right steps, but in the meantime, we remain dependent on other states for quota seats.”