By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 10: Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Friday acknowledged the acute shortage of specialist doctors in Meghalaya and said the government is implementing both immediate and long-term measures to address the crisis.
Shylla stated that while recruitment drives for specialists will be initiated again, the outcome remains dependent on the number of applicants.
To manage the current deficit, the state is focusing on upskilling its existing workforce by sending doctors for short-term training in critical fields such as anaesthesiology, obstetrics and gynaecology.
The health minister attributed the shortage partly to state-quota doctors currently pursuing postgraduate studies outside Meghalaya, adding that their return would help stabilise the healthcare system.
Regarding the 108 ambulance service, Shylla said the government is awaiting a formal report before deciding on the next steps.
He noted that discussions with stakeholders are ongoing to reach a solution that balances the demands of workers with the state’s financial and administrative limitations.
Addressing concerns over alleged overcharging by private hospitals, the health minister said the government has issued directions to keep pricing in check and prevent excessive billing.
He also highlighted the effectiveness of the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).
Now linked with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the scheme has improved patient access to treatment by covering a broader range of medical procedures.
