Nursing aspirants slam NEIGRIHMS over 15-mth recruitment delay, seek solution

SHILLONG, June 20: Nursing aspirants have demanded immediate action from the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) over a 15-month delay in the recruitment process for 105 Nursing Officers.
The recruitment was originally notified in January 2025 (Advertisement No. NEIGR.E.III/15/2014/Pt.VII), with the application window closing in February 2025. However, the institute has yet to conduct the written examination or announce a selection schedule.
Expressing frustration, the aspirants stated that the prolonged uncertainty has caused significant anxiety.
A major concern raised is the 30-year upper age limit specified in the advertisement.
Due to the administrative delay, many candidates who were eligible at the time of application have now crossed the age limit, jeopardising their chances of employment.
The candidates also voiced opposition to reports that the institute may engage nursing personnel through outsourcing for new departments and critical care units.
They pointed out that outsourced nurses often work in high-pressure areas like ICUs and operation theatres but receive lower salaries and lack job security or benefits.
In this regard, the aspirants also urged the Union Health Ministry and the NEIGRIHMS administration to intervene by announcing a fixed recruitment timeline and conducting the written test immediately.
They are also seeking a one-time age relaxation for affected candidates and have demanded that all sanctioned posts be filled through regular appointments.
The aspirants maintained that NEIGRIHMS, as a premier central healthcare institution, must ensure a transparent and timely hiring process to safeguard the interests of professionals and strengthen healthcare delivery in the Northeast.