SHILLONG: Independent MLA from South Tura, John Leslee K. Sangma on Thursday brought to the notice of the House the State Government’s inability to provide employment to as many as 27 bonded dental surgeons.
Citing the example of a Williamnagar school where when asked to write about their aim in life, 19 out of 20 students jotted down that they wanted to join the proscribed GNLA, Sangma expressed concern over the plight of the dental surgeons which had set a bad precedent in the State suffering from the twin problem of unemployment and militancy.
In reply to the motion moved by Sangma, Health and Family Welfare Minister A.L. Hek said, “In 2010, the MPSC had recommended appointment of 19 dental surgeons out of which 12 were appointed due to non-availability of sanctioned posts. By now their result has lapsed since it is already more than five years.”
“There are a substantial number of dental surgeons (both bonded and non-bonded) who are eagerly awaiting for Government jobs, but the resources of the State are limited due to various factors,” he added.
In an attempt to provide relief to the aggrieved doctors, Hek said the Government will make efforts to ensure that some new posts are created so as to cover all PHCs/CHCs without dental surgeons, to render dental services in the State.
Sangma said dental surgeons in the state have been struggling for the last eight years and are yet to be absorbed under the State government.