Healthcare boost in Meghalaya: 200+ nurses recruited, AI in cancer detection explored

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 16, 2025

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday distributed appointment letters to over 200 newly recruited nurses under the Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board (MMSRB) and 115 staff under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM).

Congratulating the recruits, the CM said, “This is more than just a job—it’s a calling. Approach every patient with empathy; your compassion can transform lives.”

The Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya State Antibiotic Policy 2025-2026.

Meghalaya now allocates 8% of its total state budget to health—the highest in the country. Since 2010, the state’s health budget has grown nearly six-fold, from Rs 300 crore to Rs 1,700 crore in 2023. Major investments have been made across PHCs, CHCs, sub-centres, and district hospitals—covering infrastructure, medical equipment, IT systems, storage, logistics, and real-time monitoring of supplies.

Highlighting key reforms taken up by the government, Sangma said in 2018, facing a shortage of doctors, the government recruited 500 doctors in just three months post-cabinet approval. 

“Our aim is clear—no resident should need to go outside Meghalaya for treatment. We’re working to make our healthcare system a regional and international hub, while also inviting private sector partnerships to strengthen rural services,” he added.

Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh urged new recruits to serve where they’re most needed and called on more youth to pursue nursing, saying, “The world needs more nurses like the ones we have in Meghalaya.”

Principal Secretary Dr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, noted Meghalaya’s pioneering status in both health investment and universal health coverage through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). He also emphasized the role of MMSRB in ensuring transparent and merit-based hiring.

Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, stated that MMSRB has now successfully conducted three recruitment rounds and affirmed the integrity of the process. “You are products of a fair, free, and transparent system,” he told the new hires.

The summit also featured a technical session and roundtable discussion with private hospitals, led by the Chief Minister, to explore stronger public-private collaboration for improving the quality of healthcare services across the state.

A key highlight was the discussion on the Meghalaya Cancer Action Program, during which Dr. Joram Beda emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing early detection of breast cancer and improving patient outcomes.

Participating hospitals included Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Bethany Hospital, Supercare Hospital, Woodland Hospital, Bansara Eye Clinic, SAN-KER Charitable Trust, The Children’s Hospital – all in Shillong and; Dr. Norman Tunnel Hospital (Jowai), St. Joseph Hospital (Nongstoiñ), Makarios Medical Centre (Mairang), Holy Cross Hospital (Tura), Tura Christian Hospital (Tura).