A REPORTER
SHILLONG: Traditional heads of nine villages in South West Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya have expressed concerns over the lack of manpower and the unavailability of an ambulance at the Wahkaji Public Health Centre (PHC). Leaders of Phlangmawprah, Mawphansaw, Mawmynsor, Nongmluh, Mawthunglang, Phlangdiloin, Pyndensynnia, Rangkhiat and Thnangbyrniang lamented the lack of support amid the surge in COVID cases in the State. They said that although Wahkaji PHC is only 40 kms away from the district headquarter - Mawkyrwat, the unavailability of an ambulance can hinder the delivery of health services to the public. Furthermore, it was informed that the Wahkaji PHC has only one MBBS doctor who is looking after a huge population as more than 30 villages which fall under this health centre.
"The absence of an ambulance will be a huge problem for the people of Wahkaji," the leaders said. The nine villages have extended their support to the demand of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) - South West Khasi Hills District for a 108 ambulance, increase in the number of staff, oxygen cylinders and other requirements. The pressure groups and the heads of the organizations have urged the government and MLA to look into these demands.