Highlights – Quick Health & Safety Essentials
Medical Hub
Shillong has the best-equipped hospitals and accessible pharmacies.
First Aid
Carry a personal first aid kit with essential medicines and supplies.
Contacts
Keep emergency numbers (Police 100, Ambulance 108) physically handy.
Trekking Prep
Stay hydrated and pace yourself on hilly treks to avoid fatigue.
Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially with medical evacuation coverage.
Remote Access
Be aware that healthcare access and mobile service are limited in remote villages.
Hospitals & Medical Facilities
Most modern medical facilities are concentrated in Shillong, which has government and private hospitals equipped with doctors, specialists, and 24/7 emergency care. District headquarters like Tura (Garo Hills) and Jowai (Jaintia Hills) also have hospitals and primary health centers, but facilities in villages are basic.
Pharmacies are available in towns, though it’s best to carry prescribed medicines. Travelers with special medical needs should plan ahead and keep supplies stocked.
Emergency Numbers & Services
In case of emergencies, Meghalaya offers helplines and state-run services:
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108 (24/7 emergency medical response)
- Fire & Rescue: 101
- Shillong Civil Hospital: +91-364-2222230
- North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS): +91-364-2538020
Always inform your hotel or local host in case of emergencies—they can connect you to the nearest available help quickly.
Health & Safety Tips for Travelers
Meghalaya’s hilly terrain, unpredictable weather, and rural landscapes call for a few precautions. Carry medicines for common travel concerns like fever, cold, headaches, and motion sickness. Use insect repellent while trekking or camping. Stay hydrated, especially during hikes, and wear sturdy footwear for uneven trails.
If you plan adventure sports like caving or river rafting, ensure you use certified operators with safety gear.
Travel Insurance & Preparedness
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Meghalaya. It can cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and accidents. Remote areas may not have advanced facilities, so insurance with medical evacuation coverage is useful.
Travelers should also save digital copies of ID proof, insurance, and emergency contacts. For treks or eco-village stays, always inform someone about your route and expected return time.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile networks in Shillong are strong, but in rural villages and trekking routes, coverage is often patchy. Always keep emergency contacts written down in case your phone battery drains or signal drops.
Power banks and offline maps help in remote travel.
FAQ – Health & Emergency Services in Meghalaya
Q1. Are medical facilities in Meghalaya reliable?
Yes, in Shillong you’ll find reliable hospitals like NEIGRIHMS and Civil Hospital. Facilities in rural areas are basic.
Q2. What should I include in my travel first aid kit?
Include fever reducers, painkillers, motion sickness tablets, antiseptics, bandages, and any prescription medicines.
Q3. What’s the quickest way to get emergency help?
Dial 108 for ambulance services or head to the nearest hospital in Shillong, Tura, or Jowai.
Q4. Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes, it adds extra security in case of medical emergencies, accidents, or cancellations.
Travel Smart, Stay Safe
Focus on enjoying the waterfalls, forests, and culture, knowing you have the right resources handy.
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