Shillong, Feb 14: The government has intensified efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare in East Garo Hills, targeting deep-seated hesitancy toward institutional deliveries. Through sustained awareness campaigns and community engagement, authorities are working to dismantle traditional beliefs that keep expectant mothers away from medical facilities, aiming to ensure safer childbirth, lower maternal and infant mortality rates, and reinforce trust in modern healthcare services.
A pivotal moment in this initiative came with the recent Health Mela, organized by the District Medical & Health Office (DM&HO) at Rapdikgre—a village where institutional deliveries remain scarce and vaccine hesitancy persists. The event saw the presence of Williamnagar MLA and Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak, underscoring the administration’s commitment to changing healthcare narratives at the grassroots level.
Marak, reflecting on the challenges faced by medical teams, recounted how initial efforts met with resistance. “Doctors struggled to engage with residents—many would shut their doors when approached. Realizing the gravity of the situation, I stepped in personally, alongside the Deputy Commissioner and the Block Development Officer. We interacted with the villagers, patiently explaining the advantages of hospital deliveries and newborn vaccinations. This dialogue was a turning point; families have now pledged to embrace institutional deliveries and immunization,” he stated.
Beyond maternal health, the initiative tackled another pressing issue—the reluctance of villagers to enrol in the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS). “We noticed many families had not registered for MHIS cards, missing out on essential healthcare benefits. The Health Mela provided the perfect opportunity to sensitize them about the scheme’s advantages,” Marak added.
When asked about healthcare trends across other villages under the Samanda Development Block, Marak confirmed that most had already transitioned to institutional deliveries, with Rapdikgre being an outlier. He acknowledged that despite awareness of government programs such as the ‘Mother App’ and transit homes established by the Chief Minister, ingrained traditional practices continued to pose challenges. “People trust their customary birth attendants and traditional healers. However, with consistent engagement from doctors, nurses, and even religious leaders like Reverend Jimmy Carter, we are seeing a shift. His presence provided reassurance from a faith perspective, helping to bridge the gap between tradition and modern medicine,” he noted.
Marak also highlighted the progress in medical infrastructure, citing upgrades at Williamnagar Civil Hospital, where a Critical Care Unit (CCU) is now under construction. “Our healthcare facilities are significantly better than before. The foundation stone for the CCU has been laid, and work is in full swing,” he affirmed.
Marak also highlighted the progress in medical infrastructure, citing upgrades at Williamnagar Civil Hospital, where a Critical Care Unit (CCU) is now under construction. “Our healthcare facilities are significantly better than before. The foundation stone for the CCU has been laid, and work is in full swing,” he affirmed.
The government’s proactive stance in addressing healthcare hesitancy in East Garo Hills signals a crucial turning point for maternal and child health. With sustained awareness campaigns, stronger community involvement, and ongoing infrastructure enhancements, the region is on course toward a future where every mother and child has access to safe, reliable, and quality healthcare.
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