SHILLONG, OCT 7: Meghalaya was losing 8,000-9,000 babies every year for want of doctors, medicines and facilities when the MDA government took over in 2018, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Tuesday.
Addressing voters at Nongspung for NPP’s Shillong bypoll nominee Dr. DRL Nonglait, Dhar said the first thing the Cabinet did after taking charge was to check health data, and it was shocking.
“These are just small examples, every nook and corner now has CHC, sub-centre,” he said. “In 2018, Bah Hamlet, Bah Gavin were still in a different uniform – PDF – but because these leaders supported us, we could work as a government till date.”He said infant mortality forced the government to rethink priorities.
“We said what is the use of getting roads, schools, when 8000-9000 of our children die every year. The Chief Minister launched the Motherhood Scheme only for our mothers,” Dhar said.
Under the scheme, ASHAs track every pregnant woman and ensure timely check-ups and institutional delivery, he said.
“We spend hundreds of crores so mothers are strong and childbirth happens at the right time. This programme has got a record as one of the best health policies from our Prime Minister,” he said.
Dhar also flagged the water sector jump under JJM – from just 10,000 rural tap connections to over 4-5 lakh in eight years.
“These are facts and figures. I am telling you as Deputy Chief Minister so that you the public know how much this government has done,” he added.
