Nongpoh, Feb 9, 2026: Shyntorbulia village in Ri-Bhoi district witnessed its first-ever free community health check-up camp on February 7, bringing essential medical services to one of the most geographically isolated settlements in the region.
The village is surrounded by natural barriers, with two rivers cutting it off from the main road and hills enclosing it on the remaining sides. The nearest government dispensary is located about 15 km away at Mawhati, while Nongpoh Civil Hospital is nearly 30 km from the village, making access to healthcare extremely challenging for residents.
In December last year, villagers constructed a temporary wooden bridge over the Umsha River, creating a vital link to the nearest motorable road towards Nongpoh. However, the bridge is expected to remain functional only until the onset of the heavy monsoon in June–July. During the monsoon months, the village becomes cut off from road connectivity and remains accessible only via a suspension bridge.
The health camp was organised by the Rongjeng Welfare Foundation (RWF), a non-profit organisation working with underserved communities. A medical team led by Dr Naggroi Lyngdoh Nongpiur from Bethany Hospital attended to patients, along with other medical professionals including Dr Trinayan Patowari, Dr Kaushik Hazaricka and Dr Krishnakshi Baishya (BAMS).
Around 80 patients from the village availed themselves of free medical consultations and were provided essential medicines at no cost.
Speaking on the occasion, Rosanna Lyngdoh, Project Manager of Rongjeng Welfare Foundation, said the health camp was a much-needed intervention for the village. She added that the organisation plans to conduct similar health camps every month as long as the temporary bridge remains usable, before monsoon rains once again restrict access.
Local residents expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating that regular outreach programmes are critical for remote villages like Shyntorbulia, where distance, difficult terrain and seasonal isolation continue to pose major challenges to accessing healthcare.
