SHILLONG, Sep 25: The Ayush Medical Association of Meghalaya has apprised Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh of the delayed implementation of the service rule for AYUSH doctors in government service, while appealing for its expedition.
In a petition, the association highlighted how the delay has affected the recruitment of AYUSH doctors through the Meghalaya Medical Service Recruitment Board (MMSRB), a body recently established to address manpower shortages in the Health department.
During discussions about the delay, it was revealed that the drafting process for the service rule has been completed and submitted for evaluation and approval by the relevant authorities. The file is currently being processed in the Personnel Department’s Service Rule Cell.
The association also expressed frustration over being left uninformed about the drafted policies and stressed that, as stakeholders, AYUSH doctors deserve to be aware of recruitment criteria and related developments. The association then raised concerns about the non-recruitment of AYUSH doctors since 2015, leading to numerous unfilled posts in the health department. The Director of AYUSH, Dr. Joram Beda, assured the association that recruitment would proceed swiftly after the implementation of the service rule.
It also sought updates on the progress of establishing a Directorate of AYUSH, following a public announcement in The Shillong Times on January 31, 2024. The association was, however, disappointed to learn that no progress had been made.
The health minister, meanwhile, assured the association that she would intervene and coordinate with the department’s secretary to expedite the process.
Lyngdoh has also indicated that she would raise the issue with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, if necessary, as the delay continues to jeopardise the career prospects of qualified AYUSH doctors seeking state government employment.
