Mother walks 3 hours carrying sick child in her arms:10 km journey to hospital; infant dies before reaching care in Meghalaya

A sick infant died in his mother’s arms on Friday in Domkyrkoh village in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district. His mother walked for around three hours, carrying him in her arms for treatment. According to villagers, no vehicle was willing to come to the village because of the poor road conditions. They had asked the family to bring the child to Mawdhet village, around 10 kilometres away. The family spent the night trying to arrange a vehicle to take the child to hospital. When they could not find one, the parents set out on foot the next day. Villagers said the infant died on the way. The incident took place in Domkyrkoh village in the Rambrai-Jyrngam Assembly constituency. Videos have also emerged on social media showing the family carrying the child. Villagers said vehicle drivers had refused to come to the village, citing the poor condition of the road. They had asked the family to reach Mawdhet village, from where the child was to be taken by vehicle. With no other option available, the parents began walking with the child. According to villagers, the journey of around three hours proved fatal for the infant. The incident has raised questions about road connectivity in the area, particularly when a ₹25 crore road project had been announced to connect Menop, Mawiong, Rambrai and Domkyarkoh. Deputy Chief Minister Preston Tynsong had earlier laid the foundation stone for the 10-kilometre road project. It was intended to improve connectivity in the area. The project was expected to give villagers better access to healthcare services, markets and other essential facilities. However, villagers say the road is still in poor condition. According to villagers, people still depend on footpaths for emergencies and daily travel. The incident has also raised questions about the implementation of rural road projects and the delivery of basic services to remote areas. Village head B CM confirmed the incident. He appealed to the authorities to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The Deputy Commissioner has sought a detailed report on the matter.