Shillong, February 24: The Health Department on Tuesday detailed the sequence of events leading to the death of Shillong MP Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, stating that emergency procedures were duly followed at Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) before he was referred to a higher medical facility.
Addressing reporters, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said the account was based on an enquiry conducted by the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of East Khasi Hills.
According to the minister, the 108 Emergency Call Centre received a call at 6:53 pm on February 19 after the MP reportedly collapsed while playing football at Mawiong Rim Playground. He was brought to Mawiong CHC at around 7:15 pm in an unconscious and unresponsive condition, with no recordable pulse or blood pressure.
Shylla informed that the on-duty staff immediately initiated oxygen support and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while informing the medical officer on call. As there was no response to initial resuscitation efforts, the patient was referred to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital at about 7:20 pm and reached the facility around 7:40 pm.
“As per the medical report, the vital parameters were not recordable on arrival,” the minister stated, adding that the enquiry found no delay or refusal of treatment at Mawiong CHC.
The minister acknowledged a shortage of doctors at the CHC. Out of four sanctioned posts, two doctors are currently on postgraduate leave and one has been transferred due to medical reasons, leaving only one doctor available on call.
Shylla further informed that the government has received approval to recruit around 150 doctors on a contractual basis to address manpower shortages across the state.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the minister said sudden cardiac emergencies are time-critical and outcomes depend on multiple factors, including immediate advanced medical intervention. He added that the department is working on guidelines to improve emergency preparedness at sporting venues.
