By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 8: Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh handed over a fully equipped ambulance worth Rs 14.47 lakh to the Jatah Primary Health Centre (PHC), a move expected to improve emergency medical access for 18 surrounding villages.
The procurement follows a representation submitted six months ago by the Association of 18 Sirdar Shnongs, who highlighted the urgent need for a reliable transport vehicle. The PHC’s existing ambulance was reported to be old and unserviceable, often hindering the transport of patients to Community Health Centres (CHCs) or referral hospitals in Shillong.
Addressing the handing-over ceremony, Lyngdoh stated that the request was prioritized due to its direct impact on public safety. “After receiving the representation from the Sirdar Shnongs, I felt it was a genuine and critical requirement, as it concerns the lives and health of the residents,” he said.
The MLA informed that funds for the ambulance were sanctioned under the Special Rural Work Programme (SRWP) 2025-26. He acknowledged the substantial cost but emphasised that the investment was justified by the long-term benefits to the community. Leaders of the Association of Sirdar Shnongs and staff at the Jatah PHC welcomed the initiative, noting that the new vehicle would significantly enhance the facility’s ability to respond to medical emergencies. The program was attended by village elders, healthcare workers, and local residents, who described the addition as a vital step for healthcare delivery in the remote areas of the constituency.
