TURA, July 6: Another case corroborating the abject condition of healthcare facilities in South Garo Hills surfaced on Wednesday after several pressure groups and the general public from the district on Wednesday jointly staged a sit-in at the Sibbari PHC, demanding better healthcare facilities at the hospital.
It may be mentioned that several groups from the district last week held a demonstration outside Baghmara Civil Hospital, alleging poor healthcare facilities and inadequate staff, and demanding an overhaul of the hospital. With their two-day sit-in failing to elicit action from authorities, the discontented groups have threatened another series of agitation come Thursday.
On Wednesday, however, several groups and locals staged a sit-in at the Sibbari PHC, alleging that the same is reeling under a dearth of necessary facilities, and demanding immediate attention of the government.
The sit-in was organised by different units of various groups including the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE).
Following the protest at the PHC, a memorandum with a slew of various demands was also submitted to the Health Minister through the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO).
Some of the demands include facility for issuance of birth certificates at the PHC, upgrade of infrastructure, construction of staff quarters, appointment of adequate staff, repair of toilets, and sanction of an ambulance.
They also demanded that a PHC at Gasuapara be set up.
Meanwhile, the organisations informed that they would intensify the agitation next week lest their demands are unheeded.
