Meghalaya Pharmacists Await Service Rules Even After 50 Years of Statehood
Pharmacy
New Delhi: More than fifty years since Meghalaya became a state in 1972, service rules for pharmacists are yet to be finalised, creating a persistent crisis in the healthcare system. The absence of these rules has stalled recruitment, leaving many Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) understaffed and struggling to function.
According to the Meghalaya Government Pharmacists Association (MGPA), the shortage is most acute in rural and hard-to-reach areas. MGPA secretary Ladwan Dkhar told reporters of The Shillong Times on Thursday that most CHCs and PHCs operate with just a single pharmacist. “If that pharmacist goes on leave, there is no one to step in, and the entire functioning of the health centre is affected,” he said.
Dkhar noted that the draft service rules have already been cleared by the Personnel, Finance and Law departments, but the process is still incomplete. “The next step is a Cabinet memo before the rules are placed before the Cabinet for approval,” he explained. The prolonged delay has also blocked promotions for pharmacists, worsening the staff crunch.
On the issue of medicine supply, Dkhar pointed out that the creation of Meghalaya Medical Drugs & Services Ltd (MMDSL) has not resolved the shortages. He said that many health centers are forced to buy essential drugs locally, as the supplies provided often fall short of actual demand. “MMDSL is still in its nascent stage and may improve over time. We urge them to appoint a senior pharmacist in the procurement team to help strengthen its delivery system,” he suggested.
Meanwhile, for the first time in over ten years, the MGPA organised a large-scale celebration of World Pharmacists Day 2025 at the Soso Tham Auditorium on Thursday. Hundreds of pharmacists from government hospitals and health centers gathered under the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” which highlighted their vital role in patient care and healthcare delivery.
MGPA president Cordiallicia Dkhar said the event was an opportunity to acknowledge the profession’s contribution to the state. She emphasized that pharmacists help patients understand their prescriptions, ensuring proper use of medicines and adherence to treatment.
“The significance of this day is that pharmacists across Meghalaya can come together to celebrate their profession. For government pharmacists, this is the only occasion to unite, share views, and reflect on our contributions,” she added.
Echoing the sentiment, MGPA secretary Ladwan Dkhar stressed that pharmacists are often the last link between patients and the health system. “When patients enter any health institution, regardless of their illness or pain, pharmacists are the right persons to guide them on medication use and to support them in managing their health,” he said, as reported by The Shillong Times.
Delivering the inaugural address, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. J.S. Momin, praised pharmacists for their contributions to strengthening healthcare across Meghalaya.
