Editor,
I write this letter with a deep sense of anger and betrayal, reflecting the sentiments of countless voters in Meghalaya who have been let down by those they trusted the most. The recent defection of Congress MLAs Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, Charles Marngar, and Gabriel Wahlang to the National People’s Party (NPP) is nothing short of a disgraceful betrayal of the very people who elected them. It is a shameless act that reeks of political opportunism and moral decay, and it has left many of us questioning the integrity of our entire political system.
These MLAs, who were elected on the promise of standing up to the NPP’s corruption and mismanagement, have now joined the very party they once condemned. This is not just a change of political allegiance; it is a betrayal of the voters who placed their trust in them. How can these politicians justify their actions to the people who believed in their words and supported them in the last election? How can they claim to represent our interests when they have so blatantly sold out for power and money?
The anger and disillusionment felt by the people of Meghalaya are palpable. We voted for these leaders because they promised to be our voice, to fight for our rights, and to stand against the corruption that has plagued our state. Instead, they have shown that their loyalty can be bought, that their principles are for sale. This is not just about political strategy; it is a complete abandonment of the values that should guide public service.
The role of money in these defections cannot be ignored. It is widely believed that the NPP, much like its political master at the national level, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has used its financial power to orchestrate these defections. This is not just a political maneuver; it is the buying and selling of our democracy. Has the NPP’s financial war chest, bolstered by the alleged corruption of the MDA 1 government, allowed it to undermine the very foundation of our electoral process? And who pays the price? We, the ordinary citizens of Meghalaya, who are left with leaders more interested in personal gain than in serving their communities.
What is happening in Meghalaya is not just a political crisis; it is a moral one. When our elected representatives can be so easily swayed by the promise of power or wealth, it destroys the very fabric of our democracy. Voters are left wondering whether their votes even matter or if the entire system is rigged against them from the start.
This isn’t just a problem for today; it’s a problem for the future. What happens when the people lose faith in the democratic process? What happens when they no longer believe that their voices can make a difference? The answer is simple—our democracy crumbles, and in its place, we’re left with a system where the rich and powerful call all the shots.
We, the people of Meghalaya, deserve a government that works for us, not against us. We deserve representatives who will stand by their principles, not sell them out for personal gains. And we deserve a democracy that’s built on trust, integrity, and accountability.
It’s time to take a stand. It’s time to say enough is enough. The future of Meghalaya’s democracy depends on it.
Yours etc.,
Khlur Basan
Upper Shillong
Time to gear up healthcare system
Editor,
As we celebrate 50 years of statehood, the phrase, “Health is wealth” feels more like a distant dream for many of us. Our healthcare system, divided among state-run civil hospitals, central government institutions, and private facilities, leaves much to be desired. It’s time for us to come together and address these pressing issues.
State-Run Civil Hospitals: A Call for Better Care
State-run civil hospitals are essential for our most vulnerable citizens, but they face serious challenges. Despite decades of existence, these hospitals often struggle with outdated facilities and substandard care. Reports of unapproachable and indifferent staff only add to the problem. Even when modern equipment is donated, it frequently remains unused because there aren’t enough trained professionals to operate it. The free medicines provided by the government are often of poor quality, leading many patients to seek alternatives. The unhygienic conditions are a concern that needs immediate attention. It’s a question worth asking: Would our leaders choose to receive treatment here? Likely not—they would prefer to travel to bigger cities for better care.
NEIGRIHMS: Room for Improvement
NEIGRIHMS, a central government institution, also faces its share of challenges. Many patients have expressed frustration with the level of care, noting issues with inexperienced doctors and inadequate facilities. The troubling incident of a young boy left unattended in the emergency ward is a clear sign that improvements are needed. The practice of doctors taking Sundays off, while patients continue to need care, is another area that needs to be addressed.
Private Hospitals: A Mixed Bag
Private hospitals often offer better facilities but come with their own set of issues. The behaviour of some staff members can be less than friendly, and the high costs of treatment can be overwhelming. Central government schemes intended to help with costs sometimes fall short, leaving patients with unexpected expenses. Additionally, the practice of recommending tests and medications from their own labs and pharmacies can feel exploitative.
Moving Forward Together
Despite these challenges, many doctors have shown incredible dedication, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there’s a clear need for systemic improvements. The recent national news involving a serious crime highlights the urgent need for stronger protective measures and legal reforms.
To our government officials and decision-makers: It’s time to focus on real, meaningful improvements in our healthcare system. Let’s work together to make sure that every citizen receives the care they deserve. We hope you will join us in making our healthcare system a place of hope and healing, not just a place of last resort.
Yours etc.,
A Sarki,
Shillong
Cease-work by doctors a punishment for patients
Editor,
I support the movement against the criminal or criminals who killed the trainee doctor in Kolkata, but I cannot support the cease-work by the doctors. The pictures of untreated patients in pain are unbearable. The Supreme Court nudged the striking doctors to resume work for the sake of the patients but to no avail. Cease-work continues. The doctors can continue their protests even after resuming work. The Supreme Court says that no coercive action shall be taken against the doctors as long as the protests are peaceful. Given that patients are made to suffer from violence within, the movement can no longer be termed as peaceful.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata