Meghalaya | Dangar PHC controversy: Hek rallies behind medical fraternity; Mawsynram MLA clarifies
Referring to the controversial Dangar PHC case, where a pregnant woman died allegedly due to medical negligence, Hek said the truth will be known once the enquiry report is submitted.
Meghalaya Health Minister A.L. Hek has rallied behind the medical fraternity, observing that health workers cannot be squarely blamed for any unfortunate incident that takes place at a hospital or health centre.
Referring to the controversial Dangar PHC case, where a pregnant woman died allegedly due to medical negligence, Hek said the truth will be known once the enquiry report is submitted.
“Allegation is always there but, we have to ascertain the facts. If anything happens, doctors, nurses or hospitals, cannot be squarely blamed for that. You have to see the amount of hard work and effort put in by doctors. They are always stressed out and working day and night to ensure the safety of the people,” the health minister said.
Controversies surrounding this case gained more attention following the reported media trial conducted by Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang, who, according to the medical fraternity, gave an impression that the health workers were guilty.
A 28-year-old woman died shortly after childbirth on June 3 at the Dangar PHC under Mawsynram C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills, in an alleged case of negligence on the part of the doctor and nurses.
Mawsynram MLA Himalaya M Shangpliang, who recently visited the PHC to take stock of the situation, was alleged of conducting a media trial and intimidating the health workers at Dangar PHC.
Medical fraternity condemns incident
The All India Meghalaya Medicos Association (AIMMA) has condemned the attitude of Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang, terming it as "indifferent".
The Association stated that an enquiry into the cause of death of the patient, cannot be done whimsically without proper medical experts.
Coming out against Shangpliang, a cardiologist from Shillong, Dr Synrang Batngen Warjri, said that what happened in Dangar PHC is very unfortunate and, a proper investigation into the matter is required.
He, however, maintained that the act of blaming people right away without completion of the investigation is uncalled for.
Similarly, a medical professional from Jowai in West Jaintia Hills, Dr Peter Daniel, said that he was not against the enquiry, but the media trial conducted by the Mawsynram MLA is "unnecessary", stating that it will only instil fear and apprehension amongst the medical fraternity and could also lead to future attacks on health workers.
HM Shangpliang's clarification
The Mawsynram MLA, HM Shangpliang, clarified that the incident was unfortunate and, it was not his intention to belittle the contribution made by the health workers but, as a local MLA, it was his duty to seek clarity and provide answers to the family members and the people.
"I respect the medical fraternity, especially during this pandemic, for their contributions and services but, to allege that I intimidated and threatened the doctors and nurses Dangar PHC is not true," he clarified.
(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)
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