SHILLONG: Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma has strongly criticised the state government over what he described as the “collapse” of Meghalaya’s healthcare delivery system, citing the recent incident at Mawiong Community Health Centre as a reflection of deeper structural failures.
Addressing the media, Sangma said the alleged absence of a doctor at the CHC when sitting MP Late Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon was rushed there following a cardiac arrest exposed serious gaps in emergency medical preparedness. Syngkon later passed away after being referred to another facility.
“The Mawiong incident is only the tip of the iceberg. Our healthcare system is in a mess,” Sangma said, adding that such lapses pose grave risks to public safety.
While welcoming the government’s decision to order a suo motu inquiry, Sangma cautioned that investigations without firm accountability would serve little purpose.
“The government has ordered an enquiry, which is necessary. But unless responsibility is fixed, such incidents will keep recurring. Accountability is for everybody,” he said.
He stressed that corrective action must go beyond formal probes and translate into concrete administrative reforms.
Sangma also highlighted the strategic importance of Mawiong CHC, which is located along a major National Highway.
He noted that in cases of road accidents or cardiac emergencies, the “golden hour” is critical for survival. The failure of a major health facility in such a location, he said, drastically reduces a patient’s chances of receiving timely treatment.
“The seriousness of this case came to light only because it involved a Member of Parliament. Ordinary citizens face such risks daily without attention,” he added.
The Opposition leader questioned the gap between government claims of increased health-sector funding and the realities on the ground.
He called for all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) to be made fully functional with sanctioned medical staff.
Sangma further alleged that doctors posted to rural health centres are often “deployed” elsewhere, leaving peripheral facilities understaffed and ineffective.
“This practice has hollowed out rural health institutions and weakened frontline healthcare,” he said.
Pressure is mounting on the Health Department to demonstrate that public investments are improving medical services and saving lives.
Sangma urged the government to prioritise institutional strengthening, transparent deployment of medical staff, and uninterrupted emergency care to restore public confidence in the healthcare system.
