Govt to soon allow Bethany Hospital to commence its operation at Nongpoh: Hek

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 8, 2020

The state government has decided to soon allow the Bethany Hospital to commence its operation at Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi District.

Health Minister AL Hek told reporters on Friday that he has received a letter from the Deputy Medical Superintendent of the Bethany Hospital, Dr CM Poshna requesting the government to allow the hospital outreach at Pahamsyiem in Nongpoh to commence its operation.

“I have taken up this matter during the review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today. We have decided to allow the Bethany hospital to start disinfecting the hospital and its premises,” Hek said.

“I feel it is time for the government to allow the hospital to re-open in the interest of the people. Moreover, scanning machine is only available in this hospital,” he said while adding that all primary and secondary contacts have been tested negative.

When asked, the health minister however said that the government is yet to discuss about the operation of the Bethany hospital in Shillong.

It may be mentioned here that the government had sealed the Bethany hospital after the first COVID-19 case was recorded last month.

Director of Bethany Hospital, (L) Dr John L Sailo Ryntathiang was the first COVID-19 patient. He died two days later after being tested positive for coronavirus on April 13.

Eight of his family members, including his wife, children and grandchildren have tested positive along with two domestic helpers at his home. Later, a 42-year-old woman, who is a family friend, was also tested positive.

Meanwhile, all the 10 patients have recovered after they were retested negative while the last patient have been tested positive for fourth consecutive times. According to government, the fifth test on her would again be done on May 11.

As per contact tracing details provided by the government, there are 181 primary contacts and 3,147 secondary contacts. A total of 6,815 people are under home quarantine and 312 are in institutional quarantine.