SHILLONG: Meghalaya Health Minister Weiladmiki Shylla has assured that the pending salaries of contractual nurses will be released within this month, bringing major relief to hundreds of healthcare workers across the state. He also addressed concerns raised by ASHA workers, stating that the government is actively pursuing the release of funds from the Centre.
Clearing the confusion surrounding contract renewals, the Minister said that although the Personnel Department had initially approved extensions for only 200 out of 288 contractual nurses whose contracts expired in November, the Health Department intervened to ensure all 288 nurses are retained.
“We have resolved the confusion. Every single one of the 288 nurses will have their contracts extended, and their salaries will be credited within this month,” Shylla said.
The Health Minister confirmed that the file has been sent back for correction to guarantee that no nurse is left out of the extension process.
Addressing growing unrest among ASHA workers, Shylla clarified that their incentives are funded by the Central Government. To prevent potential agitation or strikes, he said the state government has taken proactive steps.
These include:
Directing the Managing Director (MD) concerned to hold discussions with ASHA representatives.
Actively engaging with the Central Government to expedite the release of pending funds.
Reassuring workers that the state is doing everything possible to secure their rightful dues without further delay.
The Minister said the government is acting on multiple fronts to safeguard the welfare of healthcare workers and ensure uninterrupted health services across Meghalaya.
“The government is acting on all fronts to ensure our health workers get what they deserve,” Shylla said.
The announcement comes at a crucial juncture, easing tensions among healthcare staff and helping avert possible disruptions to essential health services in the state.
