Shillong: Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla on Tuesday told the Assembly that the state’s healthcare system is facing a severe shortage of specialists, revealing that there are currently only four anaesthesiologists serving across Meghalaya.
“There is a shortage of doctors in terms of specialists. At present, we have only four anaesthesiologists,” Shylla said, underlining the scale of the crisis affecting hospital services and surgical care across the state.
He informed the House that the health department has already initiated recruitment through the Medical Recruitment Board and has received financial sanction for appointments.
“Very soon we are going to recruit on a contractual basis,” the minister assured.
The issue was raised during a discussion on services at Bhaitbari Community Health Centre, in response to a question by TMC legislator Dr Mizanur Kazi.
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Shylla said the centre is facing acute specialist shortages, forcing the redeployment of key staff.
He explained that the operation theatre at Bhaitbari CHC is non-functional due to the absence of an anaesthesiologist, leading to the posting of a gynaecologist to Tura MCH.
Two medical officers are also currently on study leave, further weakening the facility’s capacity to deliver services.
“As soon as we get the specialists, we will also make the CHC a referral unit,” the minister said, adding that the proposal would be considered under the framework of the 16th Finance Commission.
Providing operational data, Shylla informed the Assembly that Bhaitbari Community Health Centre recorded 1,840 inpatients and 51,242 outpatients in 2025–26, along with 868 deliveries, reflecting the growing pressure on facilities already constrained by manpower shortages.
