By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 14: Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Tuesday said an immediate large-scale increase in pharmacist posts is unlikely, noting that positions will expand gradually through promotions and creation of vacancies.
After speaking to All Meghalaya Pharmacists Association, Shylla told reporters that the government is working within practical constraints and cannot rapidly scale up appointments, even as demand for more pharmacists continues across health facilities in the state.
He explained that the long-standing stagnation in pharmacist posts was primarily due to the absence of service rules, which meant there were no provisions for promotions or career progression.
Now that the service rules are in place, the minister said the system will begin to correct itself over time, as promotions create vacancies that can be filled, thereby increasing the overall number of posts.
“At present, there are only two to three personnel in hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and sub-centres. It is not easy for the government to increase posts overnight, but once promotions start, more posts will be generated,” he said.
On the issue of the Pharmacist Council, Shylla said elections are pending and the process is underway. He said the rules have been prepared and are under examination by the Law Department, after which the matter will be placed before the cabinet.
Referring to proposals linked to Indian Public Health Standards, he said implementation could potentially create up to 600 posts, but added that such expansion will involve significant financial implications.
“The expenditure will be high, and we have to look at all sectors, including doctors and infrastructure like staff quarters in rural health centres,” he said.
The minister added that the government is assessing all aspects while working towards gradually increasing employment opportunities for pharmacists in a sustainable manner.
