Shillong: Following allegations against Dr. R Siangshai, the Medical Officer Incharge at Mawlong PHC, the Elaka Mawlong and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) have left the decision on her continuation to the higher authorities of Karuna Trust and the Meghalaya Health Department. Dr. Siangshai has served in the position for three years, with the Mawlong PHC being managed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by Karuna Trust, as part of the National Health Mission.

A meeting was convened on September 2, 2024, involving key stakeholders, including the Elaka Mawlong leadership led by Sirdar SK Laloo, HNYF leaders from the South East Khasi Hills District, East Khasi Hills health officials, doctors and staff of Mawlong PHC, and representatives from Karuna Trust. The meeting followed complaints from HNYF and local residents, particularly from Mawriang, accusing Dr. Siangshai of negligence, uncooperative behavior, and failing to fulfill her duties.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sirdar SK Laloo and HNYF leaders expressed their desire to have an MBBS-qualified doctor appointed at the PHC. They stated that the final decision on Dr. Siangshai’s position would be left to Karuna Trust.

The meeting addressed all concerns raised, and Sirdar SK Laloo emphasized the community’s preference for Karuna Trust to continue managing the PHC, despite some suggestions to transfer management back to the Health Department. The HNYF’s spokesperson, Bah Banjop Khongwir, highlighted that their involvement was aimed at ensuring public welfare and that the meeting was productive in resolving misunderstandings.

Dr. EL Kharmutee, District Maternal and Child Health Officer, clarified that doctors face challenges in making house calls, and ambulance services charging fees are intended for adults, not for pregnant women or infants under one year old.

The community and local authorities have expressed their preference for Karuna Trust to continue managing the PHC, while the final decision regarding Dr. Siangshai remains pending with the higher authorities.