The Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr. FV Kharshiing, expressed regret over the public’s decision to lock the Jongksha Community Health Centre (CHC), as it negatively impacts those in need of medical services.
The incident occurred on September 20, when residents locked the CHC, alleging the absence of doctors. Two doctors were on leave at the same time—one on scheduled leave, and the other due to health reasons.
Dr. Kharshiing clarified that doctors are entitled to take leave and had informed the district authorities in advance. In response, the District Medical Health Office (DMHO) arranged for a replacement doctor from East Jaintia Hills to serve temporarily at Pynursla.
She also explained that the CHC had an Ayush doctor available and tele-consultation services were set up to assist patients. On the day of the closure, the DMHO sent another doctor from Mawiong to support the Ayush doctor, but the community reportedly forced the doctor to leave.
Dr. Kharshiing condemned the closure, highlighting that it jeopardized the storage of critical medications, especially injections that require refrigeration. Prolonged closure could lead to wastage of vital medicines.
