Unity and Grit: Mynriah Village Health Council’s Life-Saving Mission Against All Odds

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 2, 2024

In a remote corner of Meghalaya, where rugged terrain often shapes daily life, an extraordinary act of unity and determination unfolded. The Village Health Council (VHC) of Mynriah village in Mawkynrew, East Khasi Hills District – a region difficult to access due to its non-motorable roads – came together to save the life of an elderly woman suffering from severe hypertension.

The 86-year-old woman’s condition had become critical, necessitating immediate medical attention. Mynriah, located two hours on foot from Mawkynrew, posed significant challenges due to its inaccessibility. Despite these obstacles, the VHC members of Mynriah, driven by compassion and a strong sense of duty, coordinated with the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Mawkynrew to arrange her transportation and medical care on July 31, 2024.

With a stretcher bed provided by the National Health Mission (NHM), the community embarked on a grueling journey through dense forests and steep hills to carry the elderly woman. Their mission was clear: to ensure that no distance or difficulty would prevent her from receiving the urgent care she needed.

Upon reaching the Mawkynrew PHC, the woman was kept overnight for observation. She was then referred to a tertiary center for specialized medical consultation in gynecology, medicine, and psychiatry. After extensive care, she was stabilized and encouraged to continue treatment at Ganesh Das Hospital.

Dr. Lamshuwa Mawlong, the medical officer at Mawkynrew PHC, commended the community for their extraordinary efforts: “Today’s events are a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common goal. The determination and compassion shown by the people of Mynriah are truly inspiring.”

This story not only highlights the challenges faced by remote villages in accessing healthcare but also underscores the impact of community-driven initiatives. The VHC of Mynriah has set a benchmark for others, demonstrating that no obstacle is too great when people unite with a shared purpose.

In a Facebook post, the NHM expressed gratitude: “A heartfelt thank you to the VHC of Mynriah for their unwavering dedication. Special thanks to Dr. E.L. Kharmutee, DMCHO, whose expert advice via video conference guided the patient’s family to seek the necessary healthcare.”

Village Health Councils (VHCs)

Established by the Government of Meghalaya in February 2022, Village Health Councils (VHCs) are elected community institutions designed to mobilize actions on health and nutrition issues and serve as a crucial link between state health systems and community members.

VHCs consist of all male and female heads of households in a village, with the transitional headman as chairman and the VO President (SHG Federation at the village level) as co-chair. An elected executive committee, with one representative from every ten households and 50% of seats reserved for women, governs the VHC. The local Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and Anganwadi worker (AWW) are permanent members, along with teachers, Community Gender and Health Activists (CGHAs), and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) from local schools.

The primary goal of VHCs is to generate demand for healthcare services within communities. According to a health department official, “The idea is to foster a sense of ownership among people to address problems that are often left unidentified or unaddressed.”