Meghalaya now spends 8% of its total state budget on healthcare — the highest in India, according to an official report shared during the Meghalaya Health Summit 2025. The health budget has grown from ₹300 crore in 2010 to ₹1,700 crore in 2023.
This money is being used to improve hospitals and health centres across the state. New equipment, better buildings, IT systems, and real-time tracking of medical supplies are some areas of focus.
The summit was held in Shillong and led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Senior officials, doctors, and private healthcare experts joined the event. The CM handed out appointment letters to over 200 new nurses and 115 staff members under the National AYUSH Mission.
CM Sangma told the new recruits, “This is more than just a job. Be kind to your patients — your care can change lives.” He also launched the Meghalaya State Antibiotic Policy 2025-2026 to control the misuse of antibiotics.
The CM said that in 2018, the state quickly hired 500 doctors in three months to fix a shortage. “Our goal is simple: People should not have to go outside the state for treatment. We want to make Meghalaya a healthcare hub and are welcoming private hospitals to help improve rural care,” he added.
Health Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh asked nurses to serve where help is needed most and encouraged more young people to study nursing.
Health Secretary Sampath Kumar said Meghalaya is a leader in both health spending and insurance through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).
The summit also discussed how AI can help detect breast cancer early, as part of the Meghalaya Cancer Action Program.
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