From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker, Dr. Donkupar Roy wanted the government to formulate a new policy where doctors could be made available in the interior areas of the state.
He along with Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein and officials from PWD and Health Departments on Saturday visited Khonjoy and Maheshkola in Ranikor Block bordering Baghmara, South West Garo Hills District to take stock of the situation and understand the problems faced by the locals.
“We need to have a proper policy to ensure that doctors attend to patients in the rural areas” Roy said after the inspection.
At Ranikor, the team led by Roy visited the CHC and they were informed by the officials of the Health Department that the CHC lacks facilities right from the building that needs repair, ambulance and the staff that were posted here refused to join or never come to work.
The team proceeded to Khonjoy and visited the PHC which remained non functional for many years because of the unwillingness of doctors to come to the PHC as it is located in a very remote area bordering to Bangladesh. The road which is in a terrible condition also contributed to the unwillingness of doctors and staff to work in the Khonjoy PHC. The PHC still lacks many basic facilities like water supply, electricity and others.
Besides the PHC, two Sub-Centres in the area, one in Maheshkola and another in Gilagora were not functional for several years. Also the IB of the PWD (Roads) at Maheshkola village which was there for many years is completely ruined.
Speaking at the meeting held at Maheshkola village, the speaker said, “We have major problems in the health sector in these areas. We have two Sub-Centres one at Maheshkola and another at Giligora which are not functioning for many years. The Khonjoy PHC was not functioning for many years and today the doctor has joined. I hope that the health officers will take the matter very seriously and solve the problems”.
“I know that we have problems with doctors not coming to interior remote areas of the state, it is not easy to get doctors, not only here but all over the state. This problem has been going on for many years. But we the people would like to see that the PHC and Sub-Centres should be made functional,” Roy said.
The Speaker also spoke about the problems faced by the people of the area as the road from Nongjri to Maheshkola has been closed for years. He called upon the PWD to repair and have regular maintenance, adding “The National Highway will take time to come but at least people should be able to use this road.” He also urged the secretary of the PWD, Paul Marwein to immediately reconstruct the IB PWD at Maheshkola.
Roy also assured the people and the new MLA of Ranikor, Pius Marwein that he will support him while he takes up any developmental issues with government.
Meanwhile, Marwein assured the residents to do a follow up on all their problems especially in health sector as the CHC at Ranikor is not well equipped, the PHC at Khonjoy has just got doctors but the area lacks all facilities including good roads and educational institutions. Roy also said that he will make sure that the newly upgraded Ranikor Civil Sub-Division will be made functional in which all departments can contribute to the growth and development of the area.
Others who spoke were Pravin Bakshi, Secretary Health, MD&HM and secretary PWD, Paul Marwein.