The wanted child died in his mother’s arms while en route to a hospital in Meghalaya

GUWAHATI

Authorities in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district have sought a detailed report on the death of a sick child during his parents’ three-hour journey to the nearest hospital.

According to B. Syiem, head of Domkyrkoh village, the three-year-old boy died in his mother’s arms before she could cover about 10 km on the hilly stretch from her home to Mawdet, where she could get a vehicle to take her to the health centre.

“The boy’s parents tried to arrange a vehicle after his health deteriorated on the night of October 1. No driver wanted to come to the village due to the bad condition of the road,” Mr Syiem said.

Members of the child’s family set out the next morning to go as quickly as possible to Mawdet. The villagers blamed the child’s death on poor surface connectivity and urged the state government to save lives by providing a better road to Domkyrkoh.

Videos on social media platforms purportedly showing a family carrying a child have sparked debates about access to emergency healthcare in remote areas of Meghalaya.

The West Khasi Hills district administration has taken cognizance of the incident and asked the officials concerned for a detailed report.

Locals said the ten-km road to Domkyrkoh via three other villages was approved months ago at a cost of ₹25 crore. The project was to improve villagers’ access to health care, markets and other basic services.

Recruitment of nurses

Meanwhile, the West Khasi Hills district authorities have asked candidates shortlisted for the recruitment of nurses at the Mother and Child Health Hospital, Nongstoin to approach the inquiry committee with complaints of any irregularities in the selection process.

Nongstoin, the district headquarters, is about 90 km northeast of the state capital Shillong.

The district administration constituted a two-member commission of inquiry following allegations of gratification, bribery, extortion, coercion and other irregularities in the recruitment process. The allegations led to the suspension of talks on September 29.

“The statements of the aggrieved candidates will be recorded in the deputy commissioner’s office from October 5 to 9,” said a district official.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 19:31 IST