CAG pulls up Meghalaya CM for failing to convene SHS meeting

The CAG has pulled up Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma for failing to convene even a single meeting of the State Health Mission (SHM) since 2011 and has reprimanded the governemnt for not giving "adequate priority" to the health sector.

The SHM is to provide health system oversight, consider policy matters related to health sector and review progress in implementation of the centrally sponsored National Rural Health Mission scheme.

Lack of adequate priority has resulted in shortage of over 300 health centres in villages, besides shortfall of specialist doctors, nurses and staff, the CAG report filed in the just concluded session of the state assembly, said. The CAG recommended to the state government to establish new primary health centres (PHCs) and sub-health centres (SCs)as per norms and provision of essential medical and paramedical staff in the health facilities.