SHILLONG: The state government is contemplating outsourcing some of its hospitals to medical professionals on PPP (public-private partnership) mode.
The plan, which is at a nascent stage, was discussed in detail during a meeting of the Health department on Friday attended by senior officials.
Health Minister AL Hek told reporters after the meeting that the state has shortage of doctors especially specialists and super specialists which is a major challenge for the government.
However, the government now is looking to improve the services of the hospitals by outsourcing them to medical professionals on PPP mode.
Hek, however, made it clear that the government would not hand over these hospitals to some NGOs as was done in the case of CHCs and PHCs but to capable professionals who can run these efficiently.
The government plans to outsource Jowai and Nongstoin MCH to private professionals apart from Baghmara MCH.
The minister said that the government is mulling the step because doctors and other staff do not want to be posted in these hospitals.
“If our own government doctors do not go there than who will,” Hek said.
