First Referral Unit inaugurated at Mawphlang Community Health Centre
SHILLONG, Sep 27: In a major boost to the rural healthcare scenario in East Khasi Hills district, a First Referral Unit (FRU)—a clinical facility aimed at providing round-the-clock emergency care—was inaugurated at Mawphlang Community Health Centre (CHC) by Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Friday.
Addressing the inaugural programme as the chief guest, Lyngdoh said the state government will soon introduce similar facilities in all the Community Health Centres (CHCs) across Meghalaya.
Informing the gathering about the ongoing efforts of the government in upgrading the facilities at all government health centres, she emphasised the need to trust government hospitals, dispelling the notion that they are inferior.
Expressing hope that the inauguration of the FRU will benefit the local populace, the health minister said the government endeavours to provide quality healthcare, even in villages.
She also informed how the Mawphlang CHC has enhanced its health facilities and manpower strength, thereby reducing the need for villagers to travel to Shillong for treatment.
Urging the villagers to register with Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and link it to Aadhaar for free treatment, the health minister stressed the need for the rural populace to seek immediate medical attention at nearby health centres.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Health department, Ram Kumar, informed that the FRU at Mawphlang CHC is one of the five such units that are coming up across the state.
Others who were part of the programme include Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, Mawphlang MLA MB Kurbah, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah, DHS (MI) Dr FV Kharshiing, et al.