JNC says WJH’s healthcare system ill, seeks remedies

JOWAI, Oct 8: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), Western Zone, led by its president Hamehi Bamon, paid a visit to the Office of the West Jaintia Hills District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO), flagging a litany of issues plaguing the local healthcare system, and demanding immediate solution to the same.
During a meeting with DM&HO Dr. K Dhar, Bamon highlighted the shortage of patient beds at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) ward in Jowai.
Pointing out that while the room’s capacity could accommodate more beds, the current number remains insufficient, the JNC president asked the DM&HO to escalate this issue to the Directorate of Health Services to ensure an increase in the bed count at the MCH ward.
The JNC then raised concerns about the post-mortem department at the Jowai Civil Hospital, where, they added, only one staff member is currently available.
The council then emphasised the urgent need for the recruitment of an assistant to support post-mortem services, which, the JNC maintained, are crucial for the hospital’s overall functioning.
The JNC also addressed complaints from locals regarding the shortage of medicines and irregular electricity supply in various primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) across West Jaintia Hills.
Demanding the installation of generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply, the JNC then aired concern over the lack of fully functional ambulances in several hospitals.
It then urged the Health department to take the issue of the dearth of fully functional ambulances more seriously.
Meanwhile, the JNC has also urged the state government to begin construction of the new Pdengshakap PHC building, a project promised by the then Health Minister AL Hek.
According to the council, their recent inspection of the facility revealed that the PHC is in poor condition, creating challenges for both staff and patients.