Meghalaya Makes History with Nation’s Highest Healthcare Budget, Bets Big on AI & Infrastructure

The summit also focused on AI-powered early breast cancer detection solutions under the Meghalaya Cancer Action Program.

Meghalaya has emerged as the top state in India for healthcare spending, now allocating eight per cent of its total state budget to the sector, the highest nationwide, according to an official statement released at the first-ever Meghalaya Health Summit 2025.

Since 2010, the state’s health budget has surged nearly sixfold from INR 300 Cr to INR 1,700 Cr in 2023. Investments have focused on upgrading Primary and Community Health Centers, district hospitals, medical equipment, IT systems, and real-time supply monitoring.

Addressing the summit, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Our aim is clear, residents should need to go outside Meghalaya for treatment. We’re working to make our healthcare system a regional and international hub, while also inviting private sector partnerships to strengthen rural services.”

A major highlight was the Meghalaya State Antibiotic Policy 2025-2026 launch aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance. The summit also focused on AI-powered early breast cancer detection solutions under the Meghalaya Cancer Action Program.

Discussions explored expanding public-private partnerships to improve healthcare quality and digital access in underserved regions.

During the event, appointment letters were distributed to over 200 newly recruited nurses under the Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board (MMSRB) and 115 staff under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM).

Congratulating them, Sangma remarked, “This is more than just a job, it’s a calling. Approach every patient with empathy; your compassion can transform lives.”

Health Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh encouraged the youth to pursue nursing careers, while Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar highlighted Meghalaya’s leadership in health investment and universal health coverage through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).

The summit concluded with technical sessions and stakeholder roundtables addressing critical health issues like cancer and diabetes, emphasizing data-driven, technology-led interventions for better patient outcomes.

Chief Minister Sangma called the event “an important milestone in our collective journey toward a healthier Meghalaya” on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

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