SHILLONG: The inauguration of Shillong Medical College is still pending, even as the academic session has commenced and classes are already in progress.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the government intends to organise the inauguration in a grand manner, stating that the institution reflects the aspirations of the people of the state. He added that either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the Union Health Minister is expected to officiate the event.
Shylla said the government has held several rounds of discussions and had earlier received tentative dates, but these were cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. He noted that efforts are ongoing to finalise a suitable date, with the government keen on having either the Prime Minister or the Union Health Minister preside over the function. The inauguration, he added, is expected to take place at the earliest, considering that the academic session has already begun.
Addressing the shortage of doctors in the state, the minister acknowledged that despite multiple recruitment drives, several posts remain vacant, particularly in rural areas where doctors are often reluctant to serve. He noted that the issue is longstanding and not a recent development.
He explained that the state has historically depended on the central pool of medical seats, resulting in only about 50 to 70 doctors graduating each year. He also pointed out that due to bond policies, many doctors opt to pay the bond amount and seek employment elsewhere.
To tackle the shortage, the government is focusing on strengthening medical education infrastructure. Shylla highlighted the establishment of Shillong Medical College, collaborations with Purno Sangma Medical College, and plans to start a medical college in Tura this year.
He further stated that while there is no major shortage of Medical Officers, the state faces a significant shortfall of specialist doctors, with only about 30 per cent of the required positions filled and nearly 70 per cent remaining vacant. The government, he said, is taking steps to send doctors for specialised training to address the gap.
The minister added that with these initiatives, the state aims to increase the number of doctors to around 200 to 250 annually in the coming years.
