The State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC) in Meghalaya has announced plans to conduct an annual health survey aimed at generating district-level insights on population health, service utilisation, and emerging health challenges across the state. This initiative is expected to be completed by January 2027 and is designed to support data-driven healthcare planning by identifying key health trends and prioritising interventions.
Bridging Data Gaps
The survey seeks to bridge critical data gaps and support evidence-based decision-making within the healthcare system. According to officials, it will produce annual 'district health profiles' along with a population health and wellness score. These tools will help local administrators better understand health issues and tailor interventions to specific regional needs.
Implementation and Partners
The SHSRC, which serves as a technical support unit for the Meghalaya government in strengthening the state's health system, has engaged Oxford Policy Management India through a quality-cum-cost based selection process to implement the initiative. The SHSRC has previously published the Meghalaya Health Atlas, a comprehensive compilation of key health indicators across districts and population groups. The Atlas presents data in a clear, visual format to support evidence-based planning and highlight priority areas for action.
State health authorities have emphasised that the survey findings will play a key role in improving planning, problem-solving, and service delivery at the district level, particularly in addressing region-specific health concerns.
Electronic Health Records Pilot
In addition to the health survey, the SHSRC has initiated a pilot project on Electronic Health Records (EHR) to tackle the long-standing issue of fragmented patient data. The system aims to create unified digital health records, allowing healthcare providers to access patient histories in real time and improving continuity of care. Currently, the EHR pilot is being implemented at Mawphlang Community Health Centre (CHC), Pomlum Primary Health Centre (PHC), and Ummulong CHC. An additional 28 health facilities have already expressed interest in adopting the system.
Strengthening Healthcare Delivery
Officials have stated that both the data-driven health survey and the digital patient record initiative mark a significant step towards strengthening Meghalaya's healthcare delivery system. These efforts are expected to improve clinical outcomes and ensure more responsive public health interventions across the state.
The SHSRC's work, including the health survey and EHR pilot, reflects a commitment to leveraging data and technology for better health outcomes. The district health profiles and wellness scores will provide actionable insights for local administrators, while the EHR system will enhance patient care through seamless access to medical histories. Together, these initiatives represent a forward-looking approach to public health in Meghalaya.
