From Our Correspondent
JOWAI, Dec 9: The Jaintia National Council (JNC) has moved Director of Health and Services (DHS) (MI), Dr. JS Momin, over various pressing issues plaguing the healthcare sector.
Led by its president Hamehi Bamon and general secretary Sambormi Susngi, the JNC delegation submitted a petition to the DHS (MI) requesting the allocation of staff in CHCs and PHCs, particularly female doctors and specialists, to facilitate treatment in centres where OT facilities are already available.
Additionally, they called for the appointment of paediatricians and an increase in the number of doctors, nurses and staff across various CHCs and PHCs.
The JNC further requested the availability of modern medications and diagnostic tests, including X-rays, blood tests and USG to simplify access for the public compared to seeking private healthcare facilities.
During discussions, the DHS (MI) mentioned their intention to appoint specialists in every CHC and PHC but admitted they are encountering challenges due to a shortage of students in this field.
Dr. Momin noted that they have successfully placed doctors, particularly in district hospitals like MCH, and have sent some students to Chennai for a six-month diploma programme.
Afterwards, these students will be assigned to FRUs (First Referral Units) and CHCs and PHCs, where they may not be specialists but can assist with childbirth and other cases, the DHS (MI) said.
She also indicated that if there is a shortage of medications, CHCs and PHCs should reach out to Meghalayan Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL), and they will strive to accommodate various testing needs as much as possible.
Following this, the JNC called on Health Minister, Wailadmiki Shylla, and presented the same letter.
The health minister stated that the recruitment of approximately 150 doctors for CHCs and PHCs has already commenced, and that the issues regarding the shortage of medications and testing equipment will be addressed.
He also informed that MRI testing will soon be available in Jaintia Hills, and discussions have been held with a company to supply the MRI equipment, with a site already designated.
