From Eric Ranee
PATHARKHMAH: The slogan health for all still seems to be a distant dream in many parts of the State and the same is evident from the existing state of affairs of the Patharkhmah community health centre (CHC) in Ri-Bhoi district which caters to a population of over 10,000 with a lone doctor at its disposal.
According to reliable sources, as per government norms there should be at least four doctors or medical health officers (M&HO) in the 30-bedded CHC that caters to entire western part of Ri-Bhoi district.
However, only one M&HO, Dr. E Kalwing looks after the medical needs of the patients both indoor and outdoor besides attending to the various duties in the CHC.
An elderly woman complained, “If the doctor goes on leave or training to Nongpoh or the state capital there is no doctor to give us medicines thus we have to go all the way to Nongpoh or Guwahati.”
Sources divulged that as per norms there should be nine staff nurses in the CHC but Patharkhmah is functioning only with four staff nurses out of which one is on maternity leave and another works on a contractual basis.
Thus the remaining three nurses are under extreme stress as they have to ensure proper medical care to the patients for as many hours as possible as per their capabilities, the sources added.
Another problem crippling the functioning of the Patharkhmah CHC is the erratic power supply which disrupts the rendering of medical services. However, with the recent installation of a generator the problem has been negated.
Shifting of serious patients to Nongpoh or Shillong for further medical treatment is another matter of major concern for all due to the poor condition of the roads, say local residents who are also at the receiving end of the irregular power supply.
The KSU Western North Khasi Hills Unit and the RBYDSO Western Ri-Bhoi has expressed grave concern over the issue. KSU assistant general secretary Ezra Diengdoh and RBYDSO president Active Pator has urged upon the state government for immediate appointment of a M&HO.