VPP corners govt on absence of docs in Mawryngkneng CHC

SHILLONG, March 21: The Opposition VPP on Tuesday cornered the state government on the functioning of the Mawryngkneng CHC while pointing at the absence of medical specialists when the CHC has registered as many as 500 pregnant women.
Replying to the question raised by VPP legislator from Mawryngkneng constituency, Heaving Stone Kharpran, Minister in-charge Health, Ampareen Lyngdoh, said, “The CHC at Mawryngkneng at the moment does not have a full-fledged specialist, the medical officer, H Mukhim, had preceded for a brief training programme at Chennai for six months. Medical Officer, which is a floating post, JA Rynjah is now undergoing a programme at Hindu University”.
Replying to another supplementary question on the availability of technical equipment and rooms, she said, “We have a functional OT there but unfortunately we do not have the manpower. We are yet to upgrade all of the equipment at the CHC”.
Nongkrem MLA from VPP, Ardent Basaiawmoit alleged that the reply of the minister concerned was misleading since her reply mentioned the CH to be a full-fledged unit but when asked about the specialists and equipment, she said it is not in place.
Responding to this, Ampareen said that it is a matter of perception and stated that the CHC is functioning, but some equipment need upgraded and the government is working on it.
Informing that the Mawryngkneng CHC is a non-FRU (first referral units), she said, “We have other specialists who are there; not all specialists. Very recently, there was a need to improve the number of specialists across the state. Efforts have been put in and we are working on it”.
She said that there are four medical doctors in the CHC, two are out on training and will be back to their services at the earliest. She informed that the delivery room with the operational facility which is the OT is functional as a first referral unit.
Ardent insisted on the name of the gynaecologist, and the Health minister said that there is no gynaecologist. However, an interview was conducted recently and it is just a matter of time until the procedures are completed, she added. “We will be sending these specialists across CHCs and PHCs in the entire state,” the minister said.
Participating in the debate, TMC MLA from Nongthymmai, Charles Pyngrope cited Ampareen’s reply wherein it was mentioned that over 500 pregnant women have been registered with the CHC and questioned if it would be advisable to admit patients into the health centre without a gynaecologist.
The Health minister responded that if there are complicated pregnancy cases, the patients are referred to a higher facility. “Those with normal conditions will go ahead as per the facilities available,” she added.