SHILLONG — In Domkyrkoh village under Rambrai C&RD Block in West Khasi Hills, a sick infant died in his mother’s arms after the family was forced to walk for nearly three hours to Mawdet village for medical help.
The parents had tried to arrange a vehicle during the night, but drivers reportedly refused to enter Domkyrkoh because of the condition of the road. They were told to bring the child to Mawdet instead.
With no vehicle coming, the family started walking the next morning, carrying the infant. The child died on the way before reaching medical help.
Domkyrkoh is among the villages in the Rambrai-Jyrngam area where residents have repeatedly raised concerns over poor road connectivity. A recent report said seriously ill patients are sometimes carried for three to four hours to reach healthcare facilities.
That is the road reality the government and local representatives now have to answer for.
