From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, July 4: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), Syndai unit, on Thursday called on the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO) of West Jaintia Hills district to raise concerns over alleged shortcomings at the Pdengshakap Primary Health Centre (PHC).
Led by its president Pynshailang Suliang, the delegation submitted a memorandum following their inspection of the PHC last month, where they identified three vital issues needing immediate attention.
The first concern raised was the alleged absence of doctors on Saturdays.
The union expressed deep disappointment that doctors frequently fail to report for duty on weekends, particularly on Saturdays, which causes immense hardship to local residents, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The JSU questioned the commitment of medical professionals, pointing out that illnesses do not take a day off.
Secondly, the union highlighted the acute shortage of essential medicines at the PHC, as well as at the sub-centres under its jurisdiction. The JSU demanded that the authorities ensure the timely and adequate supply of medicines to benefit the poor and needy sections of the population. The third issue, raised by the JSU, pertained to the lack of regular doctor visits to the Syndai Sub-Centre and Trangblang Sub-Centre. The JSU called for mandatory weekly visits by medical officers to these locations, stressing that this would especially help the elderly who are unable to travel long distances.
The memorandum concluded with a firm appeal to the health department to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing the healthcare needs of the rural population.