Shillong, July 2: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), substance abuse and respiratory infections have emerged as the biggest health concerns in Meghalaya, according to a statewide community feedback survey conducted by the State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC).
The survey, carried out under the Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) for Outcome-Based Budgeting, covered 1,028 villages and 155 health facilities across the state.
The survey covered 1,028 villages and 155 health facilities, representing around 16 per cent of all villages in Meghalaya and 95 per cent of health facilities, excluding sub-centres.
The exercise used focus group discussions and participatory ranking methods to understand community perceptions on health priorities and barriers to healthcare access.
According to the findings, 61 per cent of villages identified NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes as their top health priority, followed by substance abuse (58 per cent) and respiratory infections (53 per cent). Other major concerns included home deliveries, teenage pregnancies and anaemia.
The survey also highlighted serious gaps in healthcare delivery. Shortage of medicines emerged as the biggest barrier to healthcare access, with 60 per cent of villages reporting frequent stock-outs of essential drugs. Lack of healthcare staff was the second biggest concern, cited by 56 per cent of villages.
Communities also pointed to long waiting times, lack of information about health services, poor cleanliness at health facilities and inadequate diagnostic services as major challenges.
The findings showed that health priorities vary across districts. While hypertension topped the list in North Garo Hills and East Khasi Hills, teenage pregnancy was the leading concern in Ri-Bhoi, substance abuse in West Jaintia Hills and water-related issues in South Garo Hills.
The survey further found that many families are forced to spend from their own pockets on medicines and diagnostic tests because of shortages in government facilities. Poor road connectivity and transport problems were also identified as major hurdles in accessing healthcare, particularly in remote areas.
The SHSRC said the findings would be used to strengthen evidence-based planning and improve health services. The Community Feedback Mechanism has now been institutionalised as an Outcome-Based Budgeting indicator to ensure that community concerns are regularly incorporated into the state’s health planning process.
