RTI reveals 1,518 hospital beds in state

SHILLONG, June 4: The bed capacity for COVID patients in Meghalaya has now touched 1,518 including 34 ICU beds, 530 beds with oxygen support and a total of 988 beds at different corona care centres across state.
This was revealed in the reply to an RTI application filed by one Earningstone R Sangma with the government. It was also revealed that 16 oxygen plants are coming up in the state with the support of the Government of India, UNDP, UNICEF and State Plan/GoI.
“The cost involvement for purchase of oxygen so far is Rs 15,06,23,041. The payment for purchase of oxygen cylinders has been made in full,” the RTI reply revealed.
Meanwhile, it also revealed that the total vacancy of medical doctors in the state-run hospital in Meghalaya is 163 against a total of 492 sanctioned posts.
“Vacancies are being filled on a temporary basis under 3/F till suitable candidates are forwarded by the MPSC for appointment on a regular basis,” it stated.
On query about the number of medical officers under contractual posts that are still employed for COVID-19 duties in the state-run hospitals, the RTI reply furnished that 19 medical and health officers, 22 dental surgeons and 23 health workers under AYUSH are currently discharging their duties.