On 22 May, 2026, GIZ India, the Government of Meghalaya, IIM Shillong, and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) held a multistakeholder event in Shillong focused on Advancing Healthcare in Meghalaya through Private Sector Engagement.
The all-day event provided a platform for government representatives, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, development organisations, and academic institutions to explore practical solutions for improving healthcare access in the state through avenues like financing, workforce development, and technology adoption.
Addressing Meghalaya's Healthcare Priorities
The event commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Teidorlang Lyngdoh, Chair - External Relations, IIM Shillong, followed by remarks from Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya.
In his keynote address, Dr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, highlighted both the achievements and challenges of the state's healthcare system. He emphasised the need for innovative approaches, stronger partnerships, and targeted investments to address healthcare access challenges, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Further perspectives were provided by Mrs. Gabriele Manig, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Kolkata, Ms. Henrike Peichert, Project Head of the GIZ Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) Support Project, and Ms. Martha Scheifel from the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), who highlighted the importance of international cooperation and public-private engagement in strengthening healthcare systems.
Exploring Innovative Approaches to Healthcare Financing
A panel discussion on healthcare financing brought together Mr. Nitesh Sharma of Merck Healthcare, Mr. Byron Donson Phira of the Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP), Dr. Sharmishtha Basu of GIZ International Services, and Mr. Tom Reiner of IGCC.
The discussion took into account unique challenges faced by Meghalaya, including difficult terrain, dispersed populations, workforce shortages, and barriers to access in rural areas. Speakers highlighted the importance of decentralised decision-making, innovative public-private partnerships, and patient-centred approaches to improving service delivery.
Particular attention was given to improving diagnosis and treatment pathways for non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Panelists also emphasised the need for stronger healthcare workforce capacities, greater awareness generation, and financing mechanisms that reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for patients.
Technology and Skills as Enablers of Health System Strengthening
The participants joined breakout sessions aiming to dive deeper into the topics of ‘technology & innovation’ and ‘skill development for youth’.
In the technology group, discussions examined opportunities to strengthen health information systems, improve data quality, and enhance interoperability between digital platforms. Participants highlighted the importance of reliable data systems to support evidence-based decision-making, patient tracking, and healthcare planning.
The skill development session explored strategies to strengthen the healthcare workforce through targeted training programmes, certification pathways, and industry partnerships. Discussions also highlighted the potential of simulation-based learning, specialised technical training, and digital learning platforms to improve competencies in areas such as critical care and frontline healthcare delivery.
Identifying Opportunities for Collaboration
The afternoon roundtable focused on healthcare innovation, research, and technology adoption. Discussions highlighted the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand diagnostic services, improve access to cancer screening and treatment, and enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas.
Participants also stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and behavioural change interventions, noting the role of community engagement and local institutions in improving health awareness and encouraging participation in screening programmes.
Across the discussions, participants identified healthcare workforce development, digital health systems, healthcare infrastructure, and non-communicable disease management as priority areas for future collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with a discussion on next steps, including the need for a structured assessment of healthcare challenges and opportunities, continued stakeholder engagement, and greater knowledge exchange between government, industry, healthcare providers, and development partners.
The roundtable demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in Meghalaya through collaboration, innovation, and capacity building. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, the event laid the groundwork for future partnerships aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes across the state.
