NONGSTOIN/SHILLONG, May 28: In a bizarre turn of events, medical equipment, which were meant for 50-Bedded Maternity & Child Hospital (MCH) in Nongstoin, have been diverted to Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital in South West Khasi Hills.
It was learnt that the Health department in November 2022 had sanctioned medical equipment for the MCH in Nongstoin, which was completed three years ago, to start its operations.
However, on May 23, the medical equipment, meant for installation at MCH Nongstoin, were loaded in two trucks and were diverted to Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital.
Officials from the Office of the District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO) have refused to comment on the issue.
However, some officials expressed that it was a great loss for Nongstoin in particular and West Khasi Hills in general. They rued that it would take another 3 to 4 years to get medical equipment re-sanctioned, especially due to the lack of a representative, who can pressurise the government for the same.
When enquired, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh admitted to transfer of the medical equipment to the hospital in Mawkyrwat.
She said the transfer was made since the human resources are already in place for the hospital in Mawkyrwat to start functioning.
“The District of South West Khasi Hills does not have a referral centre nearby unlike Nongstoin where there is a civil hospital and a nearby one at Mairang as well. However, the process for HR approval and new equipment purchase for Nongstoin is under process and should be done at the earliest,” the health minister said.
