Guwahati, Aug. 16 -- Meghalaya has just 23.8 allopathic doctors for every 100,000 people, or roughly one doctor for every 4,200 residents, according to a new study published in Health Policy and Planning. The figure is significantly below the national average of 61.5 doctors per 100,000 people, which is equivalent to about one doctor for every 1,600 residents.

The shortage is even more pronounced among specialists. Less than half of the 320 sanctioned specialist positions in the state are currently occupied, with most of the available specialists concentrated in East Khasi Hills. Several other districts have no specialists at all.

The study, titled "Prospective policy analysis of healthcare workforce policies for effective non-communica...