State suggests health panel to address issues

SHILLONG: The State government has suggested the need to have an independent body to examine the deficiencies in the health sector.
During the hearing on the matter in the High Court of Meghalaya on Monday, the Division Bench observed that after several observations and directions in the order dated August 1 this year, the Court had adjourned the matter for a period of two months while giving time to all concerned to address the issue of deficiencies in healthcare services in Meghalaya and take all requisite remedial measures.
“However, as of today, no report from any person, including the Committee concerned, has been filed,” the Bench deplored.
The Additional Advocate General appearing for the State submitted that various sub-committees as earlier constituted by the Apex Committee had submitted their reports and on the basis of that, the Apex Committee, as constituted on June 8 this year with its other constituents as directed by the Court, will collect all the data and prepare a comprehensive report for submission in the Court.
During the course of submissions, the Additional Advocate General also indicated that looking to the overall requirements, “It may be necessary to have an   independent body/organisation to be put in place, either directly as a part of the Apex Committee or supplemental thereto.”
The Court took note of the submissions and at the request of the Additional Advocate General, the matter was adjourned and it was listed for hearing on November 7.