Khliehriat, Feb 26: Following mounting concerns over severely damaged drainage systems and leaking toilet tanks at the Khliehriat Civil Hospital in East Jaintia Hills, a joint inspection was conducted today.
Yesterday, the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) had submitted a formal complaint to the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Dr. D. Shylla after residents have been filing complaints with Medical Superintendent, Dr. A. Lakiang, only to face silence and inaction.
The formal complaint prompted the joint inspection that confirmed the severity of the issue.
The JNC said the Civil Hospital in Khliehriat which serves as the primary public healthcare facility for the district has become a source of significant public health hazards for the very community it is intended to serve. The damaged sanitation infrastructure have resulted in foul sewage odours permeating Khliehriat West village, creating unbearable living conditions for nearby residents.
According to the JNC, families are finding it increasingly difficult to share meals, and children are unable to play outdoors due to the persistent stench. This situation heightens the risks of both waterborne and airborne diseases, further endangering the health of the community, the organisation said.
After the inspection, Dr. Shylla assured necessary repairs would be undertaken promptly. The JNC said it will remain vigilant, emphasising that if repairs are not executed within a reasonable timeframe, they will move higher authorities, including the Health Department and the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission.
“The people of Khliehriat West village deserve a clean, safe, and healthy environment, and they deserve it now,” JNC Khliehriat circle general secretary Symboh Baiar Sumer said.
