The Meghalaya government has ordered a detailed inquiry into the availability of medical staff and overall functioning of the Mawiong Primary Health Centre (PHC) in East Khasi Hills district, following the tragic death of sitting Congress MLA and former Deputy Speaker Ricky AJ Syngkon.
The 49-year-old legislator from Mawthadraishan constituency passed away on February 23, 2026, after reportedly suffering a heart attack. According to family members and local reports, Syngkon was rushed to the Mawiong PHC after falling ill at his residence, but the facility allegedly lacked adequate doctors and emergency care capabilities at the time, forcing his family to shift him to a private hospital in Shillong where he was declared brought dead.
The incident has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and local residents, who have accused the state health department of chronic understaffing and neglect of rural health infrastructure.
In response, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh announced the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to:
- Examine the staffing position, duty roster, and availability of doctors/nurses at Mawiong PHC on the day of the incident
- Assess the availability of emergency medicines, equipment, and life-saving facilities
- Review referral protocols and ambulance response time in the area
- Identify systemic gaps in rural healthcare delivery across similar PHCs
The minister expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and assured that the findings of the probe would lead to immediate corrective measures. She also directed the Directorate of Health Services to submit a comprehensive report within 15 days.
Congress leaders, including state unit president Vincent H. Pala, have demanded a CBI-level investigation into the death and called for the resignation of the Health Minister, alleging gross negligence and failure of public healthcare delivery in the state.
Ricky AJ Syngkon, who won the Mawthadraishan seat in the 2023 Assembly elections on a Congress ticket, was known for his grassroots connect and advocacy for rural development and tribal rights. His sudden demise has left a void in the opposition ranks and triggered statewide mourning.
The Mawiong PHC serves a large population across remote villages in the district, and repeated complaints about doctor absenteeism, lack of specialists, and insufficient infrastructure have been raised in the past.
This latest tragedy has once again brought the spotlight on the urgent need for strengthening primary healthcare services in Meghalaya’s rural and hilly areas.
Tags: Meghalaya Health Probe, Mawiong PHC Shortage, Ricky Syngkon Death, Congress MLA Demise, Rural Healthcare Meghalaya, East Khasi Hills News, Medical Negligence Allegations, Northeast India Health Crisis, Ampareen Lyngdoh Statement, Arunachal Pradesh News
Hashtags: #MeghalayaHealth #MawiongPHC #RickySyngkon #CongressMLA #RuralHealthcare #HealthInquiry #NortheastIndia #MeghalayaNews #MedicalShortage #MLALoss
