‘UCIL failed to handover PHC:KSU-SWK

A delegation of the Khasi Student’s Union (KSU) South West Khasi hills unit meeting state health minister AL Hek on Thursday

SHILLONG, MAY 5: The alleged failure of the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) to handover a Public Health Centre (PHC) in Wahkaji has deprived and affected the people of the area.

Constructed in the early 90’s, the Wahkaji PHC which is in a dilapidated condition has become a shelter for animals instead of extending health services to the villages falling under the area.

A delegation of the Khasi Student’s Union (KSU) South West Khasi hills on Thursday met health minister AL Hek to seek his intervention into the matter.

“The PHC is lying non-functional for over a decade after the UCIL failed to handover it to the state government,” KSU-SWKH general secretary Trulywell Lyngdoh told reporters.

He informed that earlier the state government had handover the PHC to the UCIL, when it came to the area during the year 2005.

However, the UCIL in view of the increased protest and opposition from the people against the move to mine uranium had to leave the area, Lyngdoh said.

According to him, unfortunately the PHC was never utilized for the purpose of extending health services to the people but was made a place to house security, scientists, officials of the government and the UCIL.

When asked, Lyngdoh alleged, “The failure to handover the PHC is because till date the UCIL is yet to give its motive to mine uranium. Its eyes are still on the area.”

“We have demanded the government to immediately direct the UCIL handover back the PHC and ensure that it is made functional within 50 days,” he said. He said that at present the infrastructure is a waste as the windowpanes are broken and there is no electricity and water supply.

“It is sad that the state government has failed to provide health care which is an important human right by neglecting such a PHC, which could have been a major help for rural populace,” he added.

The KSU leader further informed that the health minister has assured the delegation that he would soon conduct an inspection to the PHC to ensure that it is made functional.

Meanwhile, the union threatened to resort to other means if the government fails to comply with the demand.-By Our Reporter