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Meghalaya to overhaul healthcare and medical education

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Shillong, Feb 5: Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh today said the establishment of a medical college will significantly improve the situation.

“Five years down the line, you and I will probably not be having this conversation because we would have gone far ahead in terms of medical coverage. Not only are we starting the MBBS program, but we have also been advised to initiate senior and junior residencies, specializations, and MD programs simultaneously,” she stated.

The minister addressed various critical issues concerning her department on Wednesday, speaking about the recruitment of specialists, contractual appointments, and the future of medical education in the state.

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Speaking to the media, when asked about the recruitment of specialists in the state she said there was a review meeting with the health department, where the matter was discussed in detail.

She assured that the government is actively working on hiring specialists after obtaining the necessary financial approvals. “We are on the job. I’m not too sure about the exact critical departments, but I can name a few—anaesthesia, paediatrics, surgery, neurology, and nephrology. These departments urgently need attention. Once everything is processed and in order, we will recruit more specialists,” she said.

Lyngdoh highlighted that recent cabinet notifications require review, particularly concerning contractual appointments. “For example, no contract and no appointments to certain categories of employees can be made without cabinet approval. This means we cannot offer anything other than contractual appointments for certain specialists. This doesn’t just apply to doctors but also to lab technicians, nurses, and other essential personnel. If we hire someone on a contract basis, we need to carefully consider their privileges and concerns,” she explained.

She highlighted the role of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) in addressing the shortage of medical professionals. “USTM has already started its program, and we will benefit greatly as the government supervises the bonds signed with them. This will put us in a much better position,” she noted.

Addressing concerns about government-sponsored MBBS candidates and their obligations, Lyngdoh reaffirmed the state’s stance. “Government-sponsored MBBS candidates are obligated to return home and serve the people of the state. We stand by that, and nothing has changed. However, we now need to determine whether an MBBS student who has gone on a state-sponsored seat is also required to sign a bond with their respective colleges,” she said.

When asked about the next batch of specialist doctors being sent for training in Chennai, Lyngdoh revealed that the state has expanded its training collaborations. “We are no longer working only with Chennai. We have also started short-term specialization certification courses with other institutes. We have signed agreements with Apollo for certain specializations and with a few other institutions as well” she said.

Also Read: UDP releases manifesto; Vows to strengthen Sixth Schedule & reserve jobs for PwDs

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