Shillong: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) is demanding an 80:20 female-to-male hiring ratio for Nursing Officers at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). Proponents claim this shift protects patient dignity and privacy in maternity, gynaecology, and paediatric units. The Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress and the Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council have joined the push.
Current staff counts show 549 Nursing Officers, including 317 women and 232 men. Nurses argue these numbers hide serious imbalances during specific shifts and within critical wards. Recent recruitment drives favored male candidates, sparking anxiety over staffing gaps in intensive care units. Senior nurses are retiring soon. Organizations warn that authorities must act now to prevent a shortage of female staff.
The push for a quota mirrors policies at AIIMS. However, NEIGRIHMS Director Prof. Nalin Mehta stated in April 2025 that existing rules lack this provision. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare advised against the ratio in August 2024. The institute has since submitted a revised proposal. Backers maintain the move is about clinical necessity rather than bias. Supporters say the plan is to "align staffing with patient comfort and clinical needs." The final call rests with the federal government and the institute governing board.
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