SHILLONG, June 30: The Umsning Block Headman Forum has urged the state government to address critical infrastructure gaps at the Umsning Community Health Centre (CHC), highlighting a lack of basic facilities affecting residents across 226 villages.
A forum delegation met Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla to submit a memorandum detailing the hardships faced by patients under the Umsning C&RD Block.
Speaking to reporters, forum president Franky Nongrum noted that despite being upgraded from a Primary Health Centre to a CHC nearly a decade ago, the facility remains under-equipped. “The most pressing issue is the absence of a dedicated male ward. This has caused immense hardship, especially for those coming from remote areas,” Nongrum said.
The forum pointed out that while the CHC serves over 200 villages, it is currently managed by only two doctors. The outpatient department handles approximately 250 patients daily, with the figure rising to nearly 400 on market days. Due to the shortage of medical personnel, many patients are forced to return home without receiving treatment after queuing for hours.
To reduce pressure on the CHC, the forum proposed establishing a new PHC at Kyrdemkulai and upgrading sub-centres at O Point, Umsawlum, Mawlyndep, and Mawlang.
Other demands included improved diagnostic facilities, reimbursement for tests under the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) when unavailable at the CHC, and the introduction of a mobile blood donation vehicle.
Forum adviser Marshall Nongshli alleged that several sub-centres in the block are currently non-functional, forcing the entire population to depend solely on the Umsning CHC.
The Health Minister reportedly assured the delegation that he would personally inspect the CHC to examine the grievances. The forum has urged the government to expedite corrective measures and increase the medical staff to at least six doctors to ensure adequate healthcare for the region.
