How is the Meghalaya government transforming the health sector?

Shillong, June 16 (NationPress) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced on Monday that the state administration is committed to revolutionizing the healthcare sector in Meghalaya.

He acknowledged that the health sector has suffered from neglect for various reasons, but the government is now dedicated to reforming the landscape of healthcare services.

“Our aim is to ensure that anyone in need of medical care does not have to seek treatment outside the state. We aspire to make Meghalaya a hub for healthcare not just for our residents, but for those from neighboring regions and countries as well. It is an ambitious goal, yet we are fully prepared for this endeavor. This is a long-term mission—let's establish clear targets, invest wisely, and cultivate a supportive ecosystem. Healthcare is a shared responsibility; it involves various stakeholders,” Sangma stated during the inaugural Health Summit in Shillong.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and various stakeholders, including representatives from multiple hospitals, participated in the summit.

Addressing the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes, the Chief Minister emphasized, “Healthcare is a vital pillar of governance, and it remains a top priority for us in Meghalaya.” “This summit is not merely focused on figures but on tangible results—how our investments lead to real enhancements in the well-being of our citizens,” he further articulated.

He revealed that Meghalaya currently allocates over 8 percent of its total budget to healthcare, the highest among Indian states, which reflects the state's priorities rather than being just a statistical figure.

“In the last seven years, the government has initiated several programs aimed at improving infrastructure, human resources, technology adoption, and accessibility,” he noted. He added that when the current government took office in 2018, there was a backlog of over 500 doctor positions. Due to recruitment delays with the MPSC lasting over four years, the government opted to form the Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board (MMSRB), successfully recruiting over 500 doctors in just three months.

During the summit, the Chief Minister and Health Minister distributed appointment letters to 164 staff nurses, 78 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and 181 AYUSH professionals under the National AYUSH Mission.

Recognizing that numerous healthcare facilities—including PHCs, CHCs, and Civil Hospitals—were previously in poor condition, the Chief Minister reported that substantial investments have been made in recent years to enhance their standards, focusing on establishing a robust and responsive healthcare infrastructure.

“Digital transformation has played a crucial role. Benefits for ASHAs, which were previously delayed due to paperwork, are now processed and distributed within a week via a digitized platform,” Sangma remarked. The administration has also optimized real-time inventory and drug supply chains, enabling health facilities to submit online requests and ensuring a continuous supply of essential medicines.

“The entire system has been digitized. Now, we can pinpoint exactly where delays occur and address them promptly,” the Chief Minister added.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh stated, “This Health Summit signifies a shift in our approach to healthcare—not merely as a public service, but as a collective responsibility involving the government, civil society, and private sector.”

A round table discussion with stakeholders was held throughout the day, covering topics such as emerging technologies, non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes, and strategies to address the urban-rural healthcare disparities. A significant highlight was the emphasis on data-driven public health planning and fostering stronger collaborations between public institutions and non-profit healthcare providers.