SHILLONG: The HNYF has lodged a complaint with the State Government against the negligence of the duties by the doctors and staff of Ranikor Community Health Centre (CHC) while conducting the post mortem of the four miners who died after inhaling toxic gases inside the coal mine at Rajaju under Ranikor Development Block.
In a letter submitted to Chief Secretary WMS Pariat on Friday, HNYF vice president S Kharbuli said that the doctors in charge of the CHC did not allow the bodies of the four coal miners loaded on a truck to enter the premises after it was retrieved from the coal mines on October 11 night.
“It was only after a long arguments and appeal on the part of the relatives of the deceased that the truck carrying the body of the four miners was allowed to enter inside,” the HNYF vice president said.
He also informed that the bodies were kept on the truck the whole night till 11:30 am the next day.
Kharbuli also said that the doctor in charge of the CHC was three hours late for the post mortem after prior information was given by the Block Development Officer (BDO).
“We were shocked to find out that the relatives of the deceased were ordered to carry the dead bodies themselves for post mortem due shortage of staff in the CHC. The relatives had a horrific experience as they were given gloves and masks in short numbers,” Kharbuli said. He also said that the post mortem also took a lot of time since there were only two doctors, one ward boy and two dressers doing the job.
Referring to the guidelines, the HNYF said that the CHC should be equipped with complimentary facilities in terms of manpower like para-medical staffs and supporting staffs.
“The CHC is supposed to have five doctors, seven nurses’ staff, six ward boys, two lab assistant, two ambulances and Morgue room with mortuary van,” he said.
The HNYF also expressed surprise that police did not assist the relatives to carry the bodies.