The District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) have provided an inquiry report to the Meghalaya government concerning the absence of a doctor at the Mawlai Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) during the incident involving Lok Sabha MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon, who collapsed and subsequently died. This event has spurred public outcry and debate over perceived medical neglect, particularly focusing on the shortage of doctors in primary health centers (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs). Reports indicate that on the night of the incident, there was no doctor present at the Mawlai Mawiong CHC, which was staffed only by nursing personnel. This reported inadequacy in staffing has raised significant concerns among the public regarding the CHC’s ability to provide continuous medical care, especially in critical situations.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the MP became unresponsive after collapsing while playing futsal at Ratson Arena Futsal Ground. Although the 108-ambulance service was called promptly, it arrived late, forcing bystanders to transport the MP to the nearby Mawlai Mawiong CHC in a private vehicle. A senior health official clarified that while the nurses and staff followed emergency protocols and provided care to the best of their ability, the patient was ultimately referred to a higher medical facility for additional treatment. The official withheld further details, stating that the findings will be disclosed to the public once the investigation is concluded. The incident has highlighted systemic issues within the healthcare infrastructure in the region, intensifying scrutiny over staffing levels and emergency response capabilities at CHCs.