Editor
Apropos the letter by J S Marak, “Health services in shambles in Garo Hills,” I wish to point out that (1) the gynaecologist posted in Maternity and Child Hospital, Tura is available every day and all day.
However, a gynaecologist must also attend to emergency surgeries as well as wards, OPD patients, student trainings, and a myriad of government meetings to which she is called. (2) As there are an inadequate number of doctors in MCH, the gynaecologist also has to do night duties. J S Marak is probably under the mistaken impression that apart from surgical skills and omnipresence, an MS degree also endows one with the Herculean might of working round the clock and more. (3) The operating theatre in MCH was non-functional till late May- since then all cases requiring surgery have been operated upon in MCH, of which all except two were attended by the undersigned. (4) There are only five gynaecologists in Garo Hills, two of whom are retired and yet, are still working under NRHM. Considering there are only 50 beds in MCH (divided between paediatrics and gynaecology), is it truly feasible to expect that all of West Garo Hills be treated there?
Patients are entitled to the health facilities of their choice. If they choose to attend a private institute with a temporarily vacant gynaecologist post, they are likewise entitled to consultation from a gynaecologist from another hospital. Furthermore, I would like to add that all such consultations are taken outside OPD and duty hours. If Mr Marak wanted better quality service from MCH, it would have been more logical to question why there are only two gynaecologists juggling the work, and why MCH is woefully understaffed, rather than harassing overworked doctors struggling to do their best. (5) Far from accusing the Medical Superintendent for her supposed lack of vigilance, she should be given accolades for her efforts. The humility and sincerity with which she conducts hospital matters are an inspiration to many. In future, it would be prudent of the public to first verify facts before making such wild and unjust accusations.
These cowardly accusations in a public forum only serve to demoralize and discourage the enthusiasm and zeal for work. If it was honestly Mr. Marak’s intentions to improve and guide a young and new doctor, a personal interface and advice would have been far more constructive, not to mention appreciated.
Yours etc.,
Dr. R. Momin Gynaecologist, MCH
Tura
Unruly cops!
Editor,
I was disturbed to read (ref ST June 27, 2011) about traffic policemen attached to the Addl SP Trafffic Mr Herbert Lyngdoh beating up a young 22 year old boy whose only provocation appears to be sitting inside a parked truck. I was even more disturbed to read that the Addl SP attempted to hush up the incident by offering to take care of the medical bills of the injured lad in return for not having charges pressed against the traffic department. No clarification for the attack on the boy by these hot-headed policemen has been given so far. By and large, traffic policemen in Shillong are known to be rude and impatient with motorists. Even more so are the policemen attached to senior police officials who themselves break traffic laws ( parking in no parking zones, driving the wrong way in one-way streets, honking violently, driving recklessly…the list is endless) and behave like they own the road. But this particular incident of assault involving a senior official of the department should be condemned by all. The police also need to come out with their side of the story and publish a clarification immediately if they are not to be condemned as goons in uniform.
Yours etc.,
James Pariat
Via email