GUWAHATI

The authorities of Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district have sought a detailed report on the death of an ailing child during his parents’ three-hour trek to reach the nearest hospital.

According to B. Syiem, the headman of Domkyrkoh village, the three-year-old boy died in his mother’s arms before she could cover about 10 km on a hilly stretch from her home to Mawdet, where she could get a vehicle to take her to a healthcare centre.

“The boy’s parents tried to arrange a vehicle after his health deteriorated at night on October 1. No driver wanted to come to the village because of the poor road conditions,” Mr. Syiem said.

Members of the child’s family set out the next morning to walk as fast as they could to reach Mawdet. Blaming the child’s death on poor surface connectivity, the villagers urged the State government to save lives by ensuring a better road to Domkyrkoh.

Videos on social media platforms, purportedly showing the family carrying the child, triggered debates on access to emergency healthcare in remote areas of Meghalaya.

Taking note of the incident, the West Khasi Hills district administration sought a detailed report from the officials concerned.

Locals said the 10-km road to Domkyrkoh, through three other villages, was sanctioned months ago at a cost of ₹25 crore. The project was intended to improve the villagers’ access to healthcare, markets, and other essential services.

Nurse recruitment

Meanwhile, West Khasi Hills district authorities have asked candidates shortlisted for staff nurse recruitment at the Mother and Child Health Hospital in Nongstoin to approach an inquiry committee with complaints about any irregularities in the selection process.

Nongstoin, the district headquarters, is about 90 km northeast of the State’s capital, Shillong.

The district administration constituted the two-member probe panel following allegations of gratification, bribery, extortion, coercion, and other irregularities linked to the recruitment process. The allegations led to the disruption of interviews on September 29.

“Statements of the aggrieved candidates will be recorded at the Deputy Commissioner’s office from October 5 to 9,” a district official said.