Shillong, Mar 18: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) has demanded for steps to improve healthcare facilities in West Khasi Hills, including appointment of specialist doctors at the district hospital at Nongstoin.
“We sincerely urge you to consider this request on priority and take the necessary steps to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of West Khasi Hills district,” HANM president Gabriel Sohlang stated in a letter addressed to health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday.
According to HANM, the district hospital urgently requires orthopaedic surgeon, radiologist, oncologist, biochemist, pathologist, psychiatrist, obstetrician & gynaecologist, and paediatrician, among other specialist doctors.
Sohlang said there is only one gynaecologist and one paediatrician at present at the hospital.
They cannot serve the patients of the whole district, he said.
“Lack of specialists force many patients to travel long distances to Shillong or Guwahati, causing financial and physical strain,” Sohlang said.
Sanctioning of these posts will significantly improve the overall healthcare system in the district, he added.