By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The poor response of the people in accepting health services in the state is perhaps the main reason behind the pathetic health condition in Meghalaya, Medical and Health Officer on Health Care Services for women and Children Dr WE Lyngdoh said.
Dr Lyngdoh stated thisat a one-day legal literacy classes for women including children in need of care and protection and availability of health care services at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills here on Tuesday.
Dr Lyngdoh stated that inspite of the introduction of various schemes relating to health by the state government, yet people are backing away from availing these services. “And this lack of acceptance has led to the increase in the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)”, the medical health officer added.
Focusing on teenage pregnancy which is common in the state especially Shillong, Dr Lyngdoh said teenage pregnancy is becoming a cycle among youngsters in Meghalaya. “Though Meghalaya is not into early marriage but teenage pregnancy has substituted early marriage which not only proves harmful for the young mothers but also the infants”, she added.
As per the World Health Organisation, about 40 percent of the youngsters undergo unsafe abortion and 35 percent are under nourished.
Meanwhile, a representative of Impulse NGO observed that the country and the state in particular can become economically viable with the opening up of borders but the same can give a boost to the trafficking business leaving the vulnerable group of people especially women and children in great danger.
