Meghalaya: NGO accuses PHC doctors in South Garo Hills of medical negligence

TURA:

Members of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Nongalbibra regional unit of South Garo Hills, are accusing the doctors of Pathargittim Primary Health Centre (PHC) of medical negligence after two resident doctors were missing from their duties when two persons were brought in after they met with an accident on February 6 around 6:00 pm.

According to sources, a Bolero camper fell into a deep ravine around 5 pm on National Highway-62.

Bystanders rescued both victims and rushed them to the PHC for treatment.

The PHC is next to NH-72 and, as per the Supreme Court guidelines, should have been operational 24x7.

“When we reached the hospital with the victims, we were shocked to find both resident doctors had gone on leave. We don’t know how both their leaves were approved at the same time. The patients were in terrible shape, and there was no doctor to treat them,” said Sewa Marak, the unit president.

They also identified the two victims as Bitash K Sangma and Jabi M Sangma. Both suffered extensive injuries and were in critical condition.

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Since the doctors were not present, and the condition of the victims was terrible, they took the victims to Williamnagar Civil Hospital.

“There was no ambulance at the PHC leading to the delay, as we called 108 to inform. It took over three hours to reach Williamnagar, which later led to the death of one victim. We could have avoided this with early intervention and treatment,” Sewa said.

Addressing the matter, the District Medical and Health Organisation (DMHO) of SGH confirmed the doctors were absent at the time of the incident but was doubtful that much could have been done at the PHC because of the lack of medical resources at the facility.

“I have also been informing them not to leave unless one being is on duty. They may have presumed that nothing would happen and took a break. They are back today. The head nurse on duty ensured first aid before referring the case to Williamnagar, the closest point for the PHC,” informed the DMHO.

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