SHILLONG: Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh and Opposition Chief Whip PT Sawkmie have condoled the death of Dr John Sailo Ryntathiang, the founder of Bethany hospital.
In a condolence message, Lyngdoh said Dr Sailo was a philanthropist and a lovable person.
“Dr John Sailo Ryntathiang will always be remembered for his amiable nature and service to the people of the state”, the Speaker said.
He also prayed that God will give the bereaved family strength and fortitude to face the tragic loss.
Sawkmie said his demise is a great loss to his wife, children, his dearest ones,the staff of Bethany hospital in Shillong and Nongpoh and to the state as a whole.
“His contribution and service to humanity will always be remembered. May the almighty God give strength and comfort to all the family members at this time of grief and sorrow”, Sawkmie said.
State BJP
Meanwhile, the state BJP president, Ernest Mawrie, also condoled the demise of Dr Sailo. Recalling his contributions, Mawrie urged all BJP members to pray for the departed soul.
The party president urged the state government to speed up the testing procedure of the doctor and his family’s contacts as people in the society are living under fear.
He also expressed concern over the uncertainty of the cremation of the doctor. In this regard, he suggested that the state government should prepare a separate place for cremation of people who die of COVID-19.
Church Leaders Forum
Together with the people of Shillong and the state, the members of the Shillong Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders Forum (SKJCLF) said it is devastated at the passing away of Dr Sailo.
“It was a tragic feeling of irretrievable loss and a void which overshadowed the ministry and service of public healthcare in our region. And we miss him. May God’s love enfold him, God’s peace encircle him as his soul rests in the eternal Kingdom in God’s accommodating embrace.”, the forum said.
The forum said as a professional, in Dr Sailo they experienced the human touch of a compassionate physician; and at a personal level, he was a kind and caring friend – felt by all who have come into contact with him. To the community at large, the immense contribution of Dr Sailo to the state is seen, not only with Bethany Hospital in Shillong but his outreach services in healthcare with the establishment of another Hospital in Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District.
The forum also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family.
Catholic Association
of Shillong
Meanwhile, the Catholic Association of Shillong said that Dr. Sailo will always be remembered as a pioneer in providing affordable healthcare to the people of the state in the private sector.
“On behalf of the Catholic community of the Shillong Archdiocese, we wish to express our heartfelt condolence to you and all in the family,” the association said in a letter to the son of Dr. Sailo, David Kharsaithiang.
Meghalaya Diabetes Association
The members of Meghalaya Diabetes Association expressed shock and grief over the demise of one of their senior most members.
The association recalled Dr. Sailo’s selfless service to the people of the state for nearly four decades.
The association added that he was a role model who was highly respected by people from all walks of life and inspired confidence amongst his patients and colleagues. It also prayed that the Lord grant him peace and give strength to the family.
Achik body
The All Khasi Hills A.Chik Federation also lamented the demise of Dr Sailo.
In a statement, the organisation expressed its condolences to the bereaved family.
