Shillong: Meghalaya has 139 vacant posts for medical specialists, even as 174 specialists currently serve against sanctioned positions, the state government told the Legislative Assembly on August 25. Health and Family Welfare Minister Wailadmiki Shylla shared the figures during the autumn session in response to a question from legislator Banteidor Lyngdoh.
The government also said 42 specialists currently work against floating or Medical Officer posts. Meanwhile, Meghalaya continues to expand health infrastructure, with several hospitals and healthcare facilities upgraded or under construction.
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Key Facts
- Vacant specialist posts: 139
- Specialists currently in position: 174
- Specialists working against floating/Medical Officer posts: 42
- Health Minister: Wailadmiki Shylla
- Assembly session: August 25
- PHCs/CHCs without laboratories: None
- PHCs upgraded in three years: 7
- CHCs upgraded in three years: 3
- New Urban PHC: Lumparing, East Khasi Hills
Meghalaya Reports Specialist Doctor Shortage
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla presented the specialist doctor figures in the Assembly after legislator Banteidor Lyngdoh raised the issue.
According to the government, Meghalaya currently has 174 specialists against the sanctioned specialist strength. However, 139 sanctioned specialist posts remain vacant.
In addition, 42 specialists are working against floating or Medical Officer posts. The figures highlight the continuing need to strengthen specialist healthcare services across the state.
Laboratory Facilities Available at PHCs and CHCs
The government also provided an update on basic healthcare facilities.
According to the Assembly response, every Primary Health Centre and Community Health Centre in Meghalaya currently has laboratory facilities. This marks an important step in improving diagnostic services at the grassroots level.
However, doctor availability differs considerably between districts.
Eastern West Khasi Hills has the highest doctor-population ratio among the districts listed, with one doctor for every 4,958 people. North Garo Hills follows with one doctor for every 3,928 people, while East Jaintia Hills has one doctor for every 3,390 people.
East Garo Hills has a comparatively stronger doctor-population ratio, with one doctor for every 2,267 people.
Health Infrastructure Gets Major Upgrades
The state government has also expanded healthcare infrastructure during the past three years.
Authorities upgraded seven Primary Health Centres and three Community Health Centres during this period. Additionally, the government constructed a new Urban PHC at Lumparing in East Khasi Hills.
Several hospital projects have also moved forward across different districts.
The Umniangbymai Parila MCH Hospital in Ri-Bhoi and Nongstoin MCH Hospital in West Khasi Hills have already reached completion.
Meanwhile, construction of the Resubelpara Civil Hospital at Chidaret in North Garo Hills has reached 98% completion.
The Mahendraganj MCH Hospital in South West Garo Hills has also reached 90% completion, according to the government.
Focus on Healthcare Expansion
The latest figures show that Meghalaya continues to invest in health infrastructure while facing gaps in specialist staffing.
Expanding hospital facilities and improving diagnostic services could increase access to healthcare. However, filling vacant specialist positions remains an important challenge for the state.
What did the Meghalaya government reveal?
The government told the Assembly that Meghalaya has 139 vacant specialist doctor posts, while 174 specialists currently serve against sanctioned positions.
How many PHCs and CHCs received upgrades?
The government upgraded seven PHCs and three CHCs during the last three years.
Do Meghalaya’s PHCs and CHCs have laboratory facilities?
Yes. The government said no Primary Health Centre or Community Health Centre currently operates without laboratory facilities.
Which hospitals have been completed?
The Umniangbymai Parila MCH Hospital in Ri-Bhoi and Nongstoin MCH Hospital in West Khasi Hills have been completed.
What is the status of other hospital projects?
The Resubelpara Civil Hospital has reached 98% completion, while the Mahendraganj MCH Hospital is 90% complete.
Location Context
Meghalaya’s mountainous terrain and scattered settlements make healthcare access a major challenge across the Northeast. Expanding hospitals, PHCs and specialist services can help improve medical access for communities in both urban and remote areas of the state.
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