Williamnagar MDC Alphonsush Marak has written to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma seeking a stimulus for the health infrastructure of East Garo Hills.
Today’s memo comes in the wake of a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the state.
“The medical fraternity in the district is being stretched owing to the pandemic. In the past few days, Meghalaya has seen daily cases going beyond 600 and our district is no exception. However, the lone Civil Hospital is deprived of medical supplies and equipment,” said Marak in the memo.
Worryingly, the Congress MDC said, the hospital has only two non-invasive ventilators and 14 b-type oxygen cylinders, which is inadequate if the situation deteriorates.
“The hospital is facing a shortage of staff due to the present crisis. The nursing staff forms the backbone of every healthcare system and shortfall could lead to unimaginable loss and further worsening of the present crisis,” he added.
He also highlighted the lack of ambulance drivers for Covid duty (there are only two). These two are also used to ferry non-Covid patients.
“It is learnt that there is no dedicated ambulance for coronavirus, which is a grave concern for the people. This requires immediate intervention of the state government. There is no radiologist or a specialist for the sonography machine. Patients are being referred to Tura or other places on this accord which causes numerous problems for many ailing individuals and their families,” he highlighted.
