HSPDP on healthcare

SHILLONG, MARCH 18:  The Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has called for the creation of an affordable healthcare system in Meghalaya.

Participating in the Assembly discussion on Monday, HSPDP legislator from Nongkrem, Ardent Basaiawmoit, quoting the Union health ministry, said the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Meghalaya is higher than the national average of 407. Similarly, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in the state is 55 per cent per 1000 live births compared to the national average of 47 per cent.

The MLA also called for new rules to regulate private healthcare facilities that ask for deposit money ranging from Rs 50, 000 to Rs 1 lakh even before availing treatment. “It is high time for the government to provide an affordable health care system to the people of the state,” he added.

Nihim D Shira , the NPP legislator from the Garo Hills, while stressing on the need to improve the health sector, called for upgrading the Primary Health Centres to Community Health Centres to ensure healthcare to the people living in the rural areas. (By Our Reporter)