KHNAM’s letter to Health Minister lists healthcare drawbacks
SHILLONG: The youth wing of KHNAM Mawthadraishan has petitioned Health Minister Roshan Warjri to improve emergency services.
Referring to the accident in West Khasi Hills on Sunday that killed 18 people, the KHNAM youth-wing claimed that several accidents had taken place after the two-lane road was made operational in the district but the Government had done little to improve ‘post-accident care’.
In the memorandum to the Health Minister, F. Pariong, publicity secretary of KHNAM Mawthadraishan youth wing circle, said, “It would not be wrong to say that some lives were lost (on Sunday) due to absence of proper and quick emergency services.”
There is lack of awareness on the Supreme Court directive on the right to emergency care for road traffic accidents and legal protection to those who help victims, said Pariong.
The youth-wing circle stated that after inspecting the primary health centres (PHCs) at Markasa and Kynshi and speaking to doctors in charge, they perceived that the PHCs need to be upgraded to community health centres (CHCs).
Further, only one doctor is available at each PHC that makes it difficult for them to provide better healthcare services.
Pariong has suggested that the State Government should conduct large-scale awareness programme in West Khasi Hills as villagers lack first-aid skills.
He also asked for more doctors at Public Health Centres and a need to provide emergency needs to ensure quick assistance to the victims.
In the memorandum, he further mentioned that the Mawthadraishan Block has only three Public Health Centres — at Kynshi, Markasa and Pariong.
The youth wing has called for collaboration among the Health and the Transport Departments and district administration.
He added that there are instances that doctors/specialists/instruments are not available or are non-functional or are not sufficient to handle post accident services to victims.
Pariong stated that rural residents lacked the general understanding on road safety are unaware of first aid skills.
