Shillong, Jun 17: Meghalaya has allocated eight per cent of its total state budget to the health sector, the highest proportion among all Indian states, according to an official statement released during the first Meghalaya Health Summit 2025 held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The summit was chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and organized by the state Department of Health & Family Welfare in collaboration with the National Health Mission.

Since 2010, Meghalaya’s health budget has increased nearly sixfold from ₹300 crore to ₹1,700 crore in 2023. Major investments have been directed toward strengthening Primary and Community Health Centres, sub-centres, and district hospitals. These investments cover infrastructure development, procurement of medical equipment, IT systems, logistics, storage facilities, and real-time monitoring of supplies.

During the summit, the Chief Minister 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). Addressing the recruits, he 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. Reflecting on earlier reforms, he recalled the swift recruitment of 500 doctors in 2018 to address a critical shortage, adding, “Our aim is clear residents should not need to leave Meghalaya for treatment. We’re building a healthcare system that can become a regional and international hub, with enhanced private sector collaboration to improve rural services.”

Health Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh encouraged the new recruits to serve in areas of greatest need and urged more youth to consider nursing careers. Principal Secretary of the Health Department, Sampath Kumar, emphasized Meghalaya’s leadership in health investment and its commitment to universal health coverage through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).

The summit featured a technical session and a roundtable with private hospitals, led by the Chief Minister, to explore enhanced public-private partnerships aimed at improving healthcare quality statewide. A major highlight was a discussion on the Meghalaya Cancer Action Program, which emphasized the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the early detection of breast cancer and improving patient outcomes.