139 specialist doctor posts vacant in Meghalaya, Government Tells Assembly
Shillong: Meghalaya is facing a significant shortage of specialist doctors, with 139 sanctioned positions lying vacant even as the state government continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla disclosed the figures in the Legislative Assembly on August 25 while responding to a question from legislator Banteidor Lyngdoh during the autumn session.
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The department currently has 174 specialists against its sanctioned strength. In addition, 42 specialists are serving against floating or Medical Officer posts
The government also informed the House that all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in the state currently have laboratory facilities.
However, the availability of doctors varies across districts. East West Khasi Hills has the highest doctor-to-population ratio, with one doctor for every 4,958 people. It is followed by North Garo Hills at one doctor for every 3,928 people and East Jaintia Hills at one for every 3,390 people. East Garo Hills recorded the lowest ratio among the districts listed, with one doctor for every 2,267 people, reports the Daily.
The government also provided an update on healthcare infrastructure developed over the past three years.
During this period, seven PHCs and three CHCs have been upgraded. A new Urban PHC has also been constructed at Lumparing in East Khasi Hills.
Several hospital construction projects are also at different stages. The Umniangbymai Parila MCH Hospital in Ri-Bhoi and Nongstoin MCH Hospital in West Khasi Hills have been completed, reports India Today NE.
Meanwhile, construction of the Resubelpara Civil Hospital at Chidaret in North Garo Hills is 98% complete, while the Mahendraganj MCH Hospital in South West Garo Hills has reached 90% completion, according to the government.
The data presented in the Assembly highlights Meghalaya's ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has directed officials to expedite all ongoing and proposed infrastructure works at Baghmara Civil Hospital in South Garo Hills, emphasising that the projects must be completed on priority to ensure reliable and quality healthcare for people in the district.
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