By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 1: An 86-year-old woman’s life was saved by members of Village Health Council of Mynriah village in Mawkynrew, East Khasi Hills, who overcame the rugged and treacherous terrain of the village to transport her to the nearest PHC. The elderly woman was suffering from severe hypertension.
Mynriah, a remote village two hours on foot from the nearest Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Mawkynrew, is inaccessible by motor vehicles, making access to medical facilities a challenge. When the elderly woman’s condition deteriorated, the VHC of Mynriah promptly mobilised to arrange her transfer to the PHC, despite the formidable obstacles posed by the terrain.
Equipped with a stretcher provided by the National Health Mission, members of the VHC embarked carried her through dense forests and steep hills. Upon reaching the Mawkynrew PHC, the woman was stabilised and kept under observation overnight. Recognising the need for specialised care, medical officers referred her to Ganesh Das Hospital in Shillong for further treatment in gynecology, medicine, and psychiatry.
Lamshuwa Mawlong, the medical officer on duty at Mawkynrew PHC, lauded the efforts of the Mynriah VHC, stating, “What we witnessed today is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common goal. The determination and love displayed by the people of Mynriah are truly inspiring.”
Established by the Meghalaya government in February 2022, VHCs play an important role in bridging the gap between state health systems and communities and serve as nodal institutions to mobilise actions on health and nutrition issues and foster a sense of ownership among the community.