Meghalaya, nestled in the North Eastern region of India, boasts a unique cultural tapestry with a predominantly rural landscape characterized by diverse tribal identities, primarily the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes. The state's population of 29,66,889 (as per the 2011 Census), with 80% residing in rural areas marked by challenging terrains and inadequate connectivity, heavily relies on government healthcare facilities. The current healthcare system in the state is intricate, with a predominant emphasis on curative rather than preventive care. However, recognizing the evolving healthcare landscape, there is now a concerted effort to prioritize preventive measures alongside promoting positive health outcomes.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Meghalaya's healthcare sector is the acute shortage of human resources. The doctor-to-population ratio significantly falls below the WHO standard, severely impacting the quality of healthcare services. With only a modest number of government doctors serving the populace, particularly in remote areas, the need for effective recruitment strategies becomes paramount to bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Meghalaya Government took proactive steps to address the recruitment bottleneck by instituting the Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board (MMSRB) via Notification No. Health.106/2014/Pt. II/11, dated: 28.11.2022, with the objective of expediting the recruitment process for various categories of staff in the Health & Family Welfare Department by way of direct recruitment.

Building upon the success of its initial recruitment cycle, the Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board (MMSRB) was established as a permanent body through Notification No. Health.106/2014/Pt.II/24, dated September 25th, 2023, along with subsequent Addendum and Corrigendum in Notifications No. Health.106/2014/Pt.II/26, dated October 26th, 2023, and No. Health.106/2014/Pt.II/26-A, dated October 26th, 2023. This transformation solidified its role as a pivotal institution in the state's healthcare recruitment landscape, signifying long-term commitment and sustainability in addressing human resource challenges in the sector.

• To assess the requirement of human resources in the health system on a continuous basis and conduct recruitment accordingly.
• To conduct direct recruitment to various posts within the purview of the Directorate of Health Services in a timely, simplified and streamlined manner to minimize the number of vacancies and to provide continuous health care services to the public.

• Conducting transparent and merit-based recruitment processes for various categories of healthcare professionals including Specialists, MBBS doctors, Dental Surgeons, AYUSH Physicians, Nurses and Paramedical staff.
• Assessing the requirement of human resources in the healthcare system on a continuous basis and conducting recruitment drives accordingly.
• Proactively recruiting medical professionals based on projections, retirements, and other factors to ensure adequate staffing levels in healthcare facilities.

• The MMSRB is comprised of members entrusted with planning, supervising, and executing all recruitment processes, activities, and duties of the board.
• The organizational structure typically includes a Chairperson (Principal Secretary / Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health & Family Welfare Department), and members including Joint Secretaries to the Government of Meghalaya from Personnel Department, Finance Department and Law Department; Directors of Health Services MI, MCH&FW and Research; a Member Administration (Joint Secretary/ Deputy Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Health & Family Welfare Department), and a Member Secretary not below the level of Joint Director of Health Services (MI).
• Supporting staff from the Health and Family Welfare department are reassigned to the MMSRB to assist in recruitment activities and ensure smooth functioning of the board.

• Meghalaya Medical Services Recruitment Board (MMSRB) was established as a permanent body through Notification No. Health.106/2014/Pt.II/24, dated September 25th, 2023, along with subsequent Addendum and Corrigendum in Notifications No. Health.106/2014/Pt.II/26, dated October 26th, 2023, and No. Health.106/2014/Pt.II/26-A, dated October 26th, 2023.
• The MMSRB operates independently from the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC) and is solely responsible for medical recruitment in the state.
• Unlike the MPSC, which handles recruitment for various government departments, the MMSRB focuses exclusively on healthcare recruitment, allowing for specialized attention to the unique staffing needs of the healthcare sector.