SHILLONG: The State Government has delayed the appointment of medical and health officers (MHOs) in 84 vacancies in health department since it is waiting for the MBBS students to report to the Government after completion of their study.
There are only 56 medical seats per year under Government quota whereas the vacancy of MHOs at present is 84.
The Opposition Leader Dr Donkupar Roy (UDP) raised the question related to MBBS seat in the Assembly on Monday.
In his reply, Health Minister AL Hek said that even non bonded students will be accommodated to fill up the vacancies.
To a question by Ardent Basaiawmoit(HSPDP), the Minister said that first preference will be given to the state sponsored students.
Non functional PHCs
There are as many as four PHCs which are non-functional in parts of the State.
In reply to another question by Dr Roy, the Health Minister told the Assembly that while Mawkliaw and Weilyngkut PHCs are non-functional in East Khasi Hills, Laitdom PHC and Damas PHC are non functional in West Khasi Hills and Eas Garo Hills respectively.
The Health Minister said that the PHCs will be made functional when all the requirements such as availability of water supply, electricity, equipments and man-power are ready.
To another question by Dr Roy on setting up of health centers in East Khasi Hills , the Health Minister said that for Nongjri and Mawsiangei villages, the Department will study the feasibility report as per norm whereas, Ryngud village has been identified and sanction was being obtained.
In the case of Nongsteng village, the construction of the sub-centre could not be taken up due to the non availability of land, Hek said.
The Minister said that the repair of Mawphu Sub Centre is being taken up.