Shyntorbulia, Ri-Bhoi | In a milestone for one of Meghalaya's most isolated villages, nearly 80 residents of Shyntorbulia received free medical consultations and essential medicines during the village's first-ever community health camp, organised by Rongjeng Welfare Foundation (RWF) on Saturday.
Nestled deep inside Ri-Bhoi district, Shyntorbulia remains cut off from regular healthcare services due to its difficult terrain. The village is surrounded by rivers and hills, with the nearest government health facility located around 15 km away at Mawhati, while Nongpoh Civil Hospital is nearly 30 km from the village. During the monsoon, access becomes even more challenging as rising waters isolate the settlement.
The medical camp was led by Dr. Naggroi Lyngdoh Nongpiur of Bethany Hospital, supported by Dr. Trinayan Patowari, Dr. Kaushik Hazaricka, and Dr. Krishnakshi Baishya (BAMS). Villagers received free health check-ups, consultations and medicines, many of whom were seeing a doctor without having to undertake a long and difficult journey for the first time.
According to RWF, the initiative was made possible after villagers built a temporary wooden bridge across the Umsha River in December last year, providing a seasonal connection to the nearest motorable road. The bridge is expected to remain usable only until heavy monsoon rains return.
Rosanna Lyngdoh, Project Manager of Rongjeng Welfare Foundation, said the camp addressed a long-standing healthcare gap in the village. The organisation plans to conduct similar health camps every month for as long as the temporary bridge remains accessible, ensuring residents continue to receive basic medical services before the village is once again cut off by the rains.
Residents welcomed the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for the community and expressing hope that regular healthcare outreach would continue in the years ahead. For villages like Shyntorbulia, where geography continues to limit access to essential services, periodic medical camps can make a significant difference in improving community health.