Headmen forum writes to Health minister, seeks upgrades
Shillong, June 30: The Umsning Block Headman Forum has asked Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla to urgently address critical gaps at the Umsning Community Health Centre, warning that the absence of basic facilities is costing lives in Ri Bhoi district.
In a letter submitted on Tuesday, the forum, which represents nearly 200 villages under the Umsning C&RD Block, said the CHC remains the only government hospital in the area but has functioned without dedicated male wards for almost a decade.
“This places a significant burden on underprivileged patients from remote areas. As it is the only government hospital available in the vicinity, some patients have reportedly lost their lives due to this lack of facilities,” forum president Franklin Nongrum said in the memorandum.
It also said doctor shortage is another major concern, with the CHC handling nearly 250 OPD cases daily, spiking to around 400 on Market Day. The heavy workload, along with night shifts, has strained the few doctors posted there, he said.
Despite being upgraded from a PHC, the centre still lacks standard amenities required under official norms, forcing patients to travel elsewhere for treatment and tests.
The Forum noted that this adds a “heavy financial burden for those in poverty” and sought the minister’s “immediate intervention in this matter.”
It also flagged gaps in the Megha Health Insurance Scheme, saying MHIS would be more effective if it reimbursed diagnostic bills when tests are not available at the CHC.
To ease pressure on Umsning, the headmen proposed a new PHC at Kyrdemkulai or upgrading the O Point Sub-Centre, along with upgrades to Umsawlum, Mawlyndep, or Mawlang Sub-Centres.
The changes would help residents from the eastern-west regions who now depend on Umsning CHC, the letter said.
The Forum further suggested a mobile blood donation vehicle to support patients and make it easier for people in rural areas, schools and workplaces to donate without travelling to a hospital.
