Editor,
I am greatly disappointed with the lack of care in some hospitals in Shillong. Two months ago, my cousin who hails from a remote village and had a prolonged ear ailment approached Civil Hospital Shillong for treatment. She actually earns her living as domestic help in Shillong. The doctor declared that her ear-drum was damaged. Perhaps sensing that she is not conversant with medicines and treatment the doctor told her that her ear would be healed gradually if she takes the medicines prescribed. Now I am not a medical doctor but as far as I can gather there is no cure for this ailment except to go through a surgery. She later went to Woodlands Hospital where she was explained about the nature of her illness. She was told the surgery would cost Rs. 14,000. Then her poor parents who live from hand to mouth took her to NEIGRIHMS where the operation was done with a minimal expense. Another incident is that of another relative of mine who was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB) by the Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital, Shillong popularly known as Roberts Hospital. His ailment worsened as his legs began to swell and the pain in his chest worsened. Though the doctor who treated him affirmed that his lungs were seriously affected he refused to admit the patient but only prescribed some medicines and advises him to come for check up once a fortnight. Tuberculosis is a dreaded disease so why did this Hospital not admit him? Why is my relative being discriminated against just because he is from a distant village? How many poor and underprivileged villagers must have lost their lives due to these deceitful hospitals? The poor suffer Injustice, are deprived of their human rights and face many other deprivations but who cares for them? I plead with the concerned authority to correct the vices in the health delivery system. I also urge the Government and pressure groups to conduct timely inspections in all the hospitals, private or public in order to bring justice to all sections of the people.
Yours etc.,
Shaining Lyngdoh,
Via email
