SHILLONG: Meghalaya Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, on Tuesday, said that medical staff at Mawlai Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) followed standard emergency procedures in their attempt to save the life of late Shillong MP Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon, who collapsed while playing football on February 19.
Addressing the media, Shylla shared the findings of an official enquiry conducted by the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), East Khasi Hills, stating that there was no delay or refusal of treatment at the CHC.
Timeline of Events
According to the Health Department’s report:
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6:53 PM: The 108 Emergency Call Centre received a distress call and dispatched an ambulance from Lawmali.
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Around 7:15 PM: Dr. Syngkon was brought to Mawlai Mawiong CHC in a private vehicle in an unconscious state.
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On Arrival: Blood pressure and pulse were not recordable. He was immediately attended by the staff nurse, and the on-call doctor was informed.
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Emergency Care: Oxygen support was initiated and CPR was administered.
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7:20 PM: Due to non-response, arrangements were made for referral to a higher facility.
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7:40 PM: The patient was shifted to H Gordon Roberts Hospital, where he was handed over to the emergency team.
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Medical Report: On arrival, vital signs were not recordable and pupils were dilated.
The Health Minister said the enquiry confirmed that basic life support measures were initiated promptly and that the staff acted within the capacity of the CHC.
“There was no finding of refusal of care or delay in referral,” Shylla stated.
Absence of Doctor Explained
Responding to public concern over the absence of a doctor at the CHC during the emergency, Shylla said the state is facing a severe shortage of medical professionals.
He informed that four doctors were originally posted at Mawlai Mawiong CHC, but two are on postgraduate study leave, one has been transferred on medical grounds, leaving only one medical officer in charge.
“The doctor had been on duty from 9 AM to 4 PM that day and was available on call. The nurse was in constant touch with him and acted under his guidance,” Shylla said.
He admitted that it was unfortunate that the doctor was not physically present at that moment, but maintained that all required emergency procedures were followed.
Ambulance Delay Clarified
On allegations of delay in ambulance response, the Minister said departmental records show that the emergency call was answered within five to seven minutes.
He added that the patient’s companions chose to use a private vehicle due to the urgency of the situation.
“It appears they did not wait for the ambulance because of the critical condition,” he said.
Shylla acknowledged that many Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and CHCs in Meghalaya are operating with limited staff.
“Many doctors attend recruitment but do not report for posting, especially in remote areas,” he said.
He admitted that workload pressure, living conditions, and infrastructure gaps as major deterrents.
To address the issue, the government has received financial approval to recruit 150 doctors on a contractual basis, and recruitment will begin soon.
The Minister also highlighted the role of medical education in addressing long-term shortages.
He said the operationalisation of Shillong Medical College is expected to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
“If the Shillong Medical College had been established ten years ago, the situation might have been different,” Shylla remarked.
He added that the first batch of students has already begun training and more doctors are expected to enter the system in the coming years.
Underutilised CHC and Future Plans
Shylla revealed that Mawlai Mawiong CHC has low patient footfall and has been underutilised in recent years. The government is considering converting part of the facility into a de-addiction centre, subject to local approval.
He also said that tenders are being issued for staff quarters and hospital infrastructure upgrades to improve working conditions for doctors and nurses.
The Health Department reiterated its deep condolences to the family of the late MP and said sudden cardiac arrest remains a time-critical medical emergency where outcomes depend on multiple factors.
“The government is doing its best to address systemic challenges. These issues cannot be resolved overnight, but we are working on them step by step,” Shylla said.
The incident has renewed public debate on emergency healthcare preparedness and staffing shortages in Meghalaya’s public health system.
