Shillong: Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced that telemedicine serves as a critical solution for delivering specialist medical care to underserved regions in Meghalaya. Facing a persistent shortage of doctors in the northeastern state, the government intends to utilize technology to connect patients in isolated areas with experts at major healthcare hubs.
Addressing the logistical challenges of staffing, Nadda explained that distance remains a significant barrier for medical professionals. "Specialists cannot always be physically stationed in remote areas because of manpower constraints," he noted, emphasizing how digital consultations provide essential care without forcing patients to travel long distances.
Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla confirmed that the state is tackling these shortages through active recruitment and capacity building. The state is currently sponsoring training programs for local doctors in specialized fields like anaesthesiology and obstetrics and gynaecology. Officials also expect the workforce to expand once doctors currently pursuing postgraduate studies outside the state return to their positions.
Nadda also addressed the potential growth of traditional medicine in the region. He signaled that the central government is prepared to support a proposal from Meghalaya to develop infrastructure for indigenous healthcare, noting the national priority placed on AYUSH institutions under the current administration.
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