In a first for Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital, South West Khasi Hills district, the doctors there conducted a major surgery on a septuagenarian.
The patient, Jrimson Shangdiar 72 years of age who hails from Manad village had suffered burn injuries due to kerosene, on his left foot 50 years ago. He was successfully operated upon by a team of doctors in Civil Hospital, Mawkyrwat which was inaugurated 10 months ago.
Medical Superintendent, Dr. Wanbudmi Sutnga informed that 50 years ago after he suffered burn injuries, the patient only go for wound dressing which eventually led to his foot starting to rot.
According to Dr Sutnga, the patient used to visit the Civil Hospital in Shillong and had even those days suggested him to undergo surgery. But since he did not have any family members he could not decide on it, he added.
“Now eventually, after carrying out dressing to his injured limb for so many years, he asked us to perform the operation,” the Medical Superintendent said.
Before the surgery, the doctors had told him that he could lose his life or get septicaemia.
Dr. Sutnga said that even though the Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital has an operation theatre, they still do not have all the equipment. He said that the hospital hired equipment from Civil Hospital Shillong and the surgery was performed on December 8.
“We can now perform major surgery in this hospital but we need backups, like blood storage,” he said.
Dr. Sutnga said that the government had provided Mawkyrwat Civil Hospital, IPA funding of Rs. 30 lakhs and about Rs. 4 lakhs will be used to buy equipment for the hospital.
The Medical Superintendent also said that if the Civil Hospital, Mawkyrwat on a regular basis performs such surgeries they will eventually get funds from the MHIS.
He also informed that the authorities of the hospital have written to the state government on what are the requirements there.
Dr. Sutnga also said that the Civil Hospital Mawkyrwat is for the people of South West Khasi Hills district. They would like to see that the needy come there for any assistance and not go all the way to Shillong to get themselves treated.