MAWKYRWAT: With the sole doctor of Rangthong Primary Health Centre (PHC) in South West Khasi Hills District leaving for further studies, the PHC has, since then, not seen any doctor appointed by the Health department, especially at a juncture when the state is witnessing a leap in COVID-19 cases.
Sources from the PHC informed that the Medical Health Officer (MHO), Dr P Kharduid, had recently left the district for further studies at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong. Since then, the Health department has not appointed anyone at the PHC, which happens to cater to patients from 10 villages and one sub-centre.
The PHC is now left only with one Ayush physician along with nurses and other staffs.
The Khasi Student’s Union (KSU) Rangthong Unit on Wednesday met the District Medical & Health Officer of South West Khasi Hills District, Dr FR Lartang, urging the latter to ensure that a MBBS-qualified doctor at the PHC is appointed at the earliest.
The Union also said that the locals of Rangthong have been concerned because of the absence of a doctor, especially amid the pandemic.
“The lack of doctor in the PHC for the last few weeks has put our people in difficulty and has concerned them, especially in these trying times amid the fight against coronavirus. We understand that following the protocols and advisories issued by the Health department are very important to avoid contracting of COVID-19, but we also understand that the fight is not easy when we don’t even have an MBBS doctor in the PHC,” general secretary, KSU, Rangthong Unit, said.
The KSU also exhorted the DM&HO to find ways and means to render a solution to the problems faced by the locals.
Zero cases till date: DC
Meanwhile, South West Khasi Hills District Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, allying fears, clarified that no cases have been reported in the district so far.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DC said that on Monday, rumours of a positive case being detected in the district were spread in Mawkyrwat, thereby leading to panic among people.
“There are no cases yet in South West Khasi Hills District. But we cannot say with any certainty that there will be no cases in the future. Hence, people should not have a spirit of fear or anxiety on this count. Ample training and awareness have been given. It is expected that people are aware of what needs to be done in case of suspect or positive cases. We must continue to be vigilant but not give way to fear, paranoia and stigma,” Laloo said.
