Meghalaya allocates 8% of state budget to health, highest in India

In a major boost to public healthcare, Meghalaya has emerged as the highest health spender among Indian states, now allocating 8% of its total state budget to the health sector—according to an official statement issued at the first Meghalaya Health Summit 2025. This marks a nearly sixfold increase in the health budget since 2010, when allocations stood at ₹300 crore, compared to ₹1,700 crore in 2023. The state’s investment spans across Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), sub-centres, and district hospitals, with major upgrades in infrastructure, medical equipment, IT systems, logistics, storage, and real-time monitoring of supplies.

The summit, held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, was organized by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM). It was chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and attended by senior officials, public health experts, and private healthcare stakeholders.

As part of the summit, the CM 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). Congratulating the recruits, the Chief Minister called healthcare “more than just a job—it’s a calling,” urging them to treat every patient with empathy, as compassion has the power to transform lives.

During the event, the Chief Minister also launched the Meghalaya State Antibiotic Policy 2025–2026, aimed at regulating antibiotic usage and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a growing global health threat caused by overuse or misuse of antibiotics. Reflecting on past challenges, he recalled how, in 2018, facing an acute shortage of doctors, the state government recruited 500 doctors in just three months following cabinet approval. “Our aim is clear,” he said, “no resident should need to leave Meghalaya for treatment. We want to build a healthcare system that serves as a regional and international hub, and we’re also inviting private sector partnerships to strengthen rural services.”

Health Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh urged the new recruits to serve in areas where they are most needed and encouraged more youth to pursue careers in nursing. Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Health Department, highlighted the state's pioneering role in health investment and universal health coverage, particularly through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), which aims to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all residents.

A notable component of the summit was a technical session and roundtable discussion with private hospital representatives, led by the Chief Minister. The discussions focused on strengthening public-private partnerships to enhance the quality and reach of healthcare services across the state. One of the key highlights was the presentation on the Meghalaya Cancer Action Program, where experts showcased the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in early detection of breast cancer, emphasizing how AI tools could improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

With a clear roadmap and bold investments, Meghalaya is positioning itself as a model for people-centric, technology-enabled, and inclusive healthcare delivery—offering lessons for other states and signaling a new era in India’s regional health governance.