Meghalaya faces shortage of specialist doctors

Shillong, Nov 14 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy today expressed concern over the shortage of specialist doctors in the government-owned Community Health Centres (CHCs) across the state.

'' Poor response from specialists from outside the state for appointment under National Rural Health Mission has further added to the problem,'' the Chief Minister said, at the centenary celebration of Tura Christian Hospital.

He said the government needs a surgeon, paediatrician, gynaecologist, an anesthetist and a specialist in medicine in the CHCs to provide medical healthcare to the people in the far-flung areas.

Nonetheless, he said, the government has repeatedly taken up the matter with the Centre to increase the number of in-service seats for thestate and also encouraged local doctors to attempt for the specialization through open competition.

The Chief Minister, however, informed that the government has invited an Expression of Interest from experienced, resourceful and committed voluntary organizations to improve delivery of medical care in remote and backward areas of the state.

'' We will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding to handover a few Public Health Centres and CHCs to certain reputed agencies, through PPP model on pilot basis for the benefit of the rural folks,'' he stated.

Announcing the setting up of two nursing college in the state-- one at Jowai for Jaintia Hills districtand the other at Tura for Garo Hills, and two Urban Health Centres (UHC) at Tura, Dr Roy said, ''A proposal for providing health insurance to the BPL families has also been under active consideration of the government.'' UNI RRK KK RN1802