Northeast Desk, 18th September:Faced with a severe shortage of medical professionals, particularly specialist doctors, the Meghalaya government is stepping up efforts to address the issue by enforcing bond agreements for medical students pursuing MBBS degrees through state-sponsored quotas.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh highlighted the critical need for these graduates to return and serve in the state’s healthcare system after completing their studies. The government plans to take stringent action against those who fail to honor their service agreements, aiming to strengthen the medical workforce.
The shortage of specialist doctors has remained largely unchanged since 1972, despite significant expansion in healthcare facilities. Minister Lyngdoh stressed the importance of increasing the number of sanctioned posts for both doctors and nurses to meet the growing healthcare demands.
The state is also exploring negotiations with the central government and other states where Meghalayan students study medicine to ensure they fulfill their service obligations. With around 95-96 medical seats allocated to Meghalaya each year, ensuring that qualified professionals return to the state has become a top priority amid increasing competition due to improved NEET performance.
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