Forensic Medicine in the Northeastern State of Meghalaya

The northeastern state of Meghalaya is divided into eleven districts. It was carved out of Assam in 1972, with its capital at Shillong. The practice of Forensic Medicine in the state is still in its infancy. In most districts, medico-legal autopsy is performed by medical officers in Government service, who usually have no forensic qualifications, apart from a long history of exposure to the field. In recent years, there has been a spurt in crimes as well as increase in vehicular movement which resulted in more casualties due to road traffic accidents. Thus, a Government doctor not only has to manage sick patients but also face medico-legal challenges and conduct forensic examination in routine practice.

At present, there are three qualified Forensic Specialists in Meghalaya. Health authorities have engaged their services to train medical officers in Government hospitals. However, this measure is inadequate to meet the state's forensic needs. Post-graduate medical courses in the subject would ensure a steady turnover of specialist doctors in this discipline. Meanwhile, forensic orientation programmes may be conducted more regularly to equip doctors in all districts with updated knowledge and skills to handle medico-legal cases.