By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 25: Fifty-three years since Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972 and the state is yet to finalise service rules for pharmacists. This limbo is hampering the functioning of health centres across the state as the government remains unable to make new appointments to address staff shortages. Over time, a severe shortage of pharmacists, particularly in remote areas, has come to the fore.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Meghalaya Government Pharmacists Association (MGPA) secretary Ladwan Dkhar said most Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) function with only one pharmacist. “If the pharmacist takes leave, there is no one to fill in, which directly affects the overall functioning of these centres,” he said.
Dkhar added that many health centres are struggling to function properly due to this shortage, with the crisis felt most in rural and far-flung locations.
While the MGPA has repeatedly raised these concerns with the government, he noted that the process of finalising the service rules is still under way. The draft rules have already been approved by the Personnel, Finance, and Law departments. “It will now go through the Cabinet memo before being placed before the Cabinet,” he explained.
The delay has also stalled promotions for pharmacists, further aggravating the workforce shortage.
Meanwhile, Dkhar pointed out that the establishment of Meghalaya Medical Drugs & Services Ltd (MMDSL) has not solved the issue of medicine shortages in health centres. Supplies, he said, often fall short of actual requirements, forcing centres to procure essential and life-saving drugs locally. “MMDSL is still in its nascent stage and may improve over time. We urge them to appoint a senior pharmacist in the procurement team to help strengthen its delivery system,” he added.
A celebration after more than a decade
After more than a decade, the MGPA celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2025 at the Soso Tham Auditorium on Thursday, bringing together hundreds of pharmacists from government hospitals and health centres across the state. Themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, the event highlighted the crucial yet often underappreciated role of pharmacists as frontline healthcare providers. The theme underscored their contributions to patient care, health management, and the strengthening of healthcare systems, while also stressing the need for greater integration of pharmacists into health policies worldwide.
Speaking on the occasion, MGPA president Cordiallicia Dkhar said the day was an opportunity to honour the service of pharmacists to the state and its people. She emphasized that pharmacists play a vital role in helping patients understand prescriptions and medication schedules, thereby ensuring proper treatment.
“The significance of this day is that pharmacists across Meghalaya can come together to celebrate their profession. For government pharmacists, this is the only occasion to unite, share views, and reflect on our contributions,” she said, while reminding her colleagues of the responsibilities and challenges that lie ahead.
MGPA secretary Ladwan Dkhar echoed these sentiments, stressing that pharmacists are the last point of contact between patients and the healthcare system. “When patients enter any health institution, regardless of their illness or pain, pharmacists are the right persons to guide them on medication use and to support them in managing their health,” he said. He further added that pharmacists also counsel patients, uplift their spirits, and play an important role in ensuring their overall well-being.
Earlier, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr JS Momin, in her inaugural address, acknowledged the contributions of pharmacists in strengthening healthcare in the state.
