Shillong (Meghalaya), April 16 : Dr John L Sailo Ryntathiang, Owner of Bethany Hospital who succumbed to COVID-19 was laid to rest at Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church cemetery, Lawmali here today after 24 hours of frantic search for a location for a decent funeral .
A renowned doctor and philanthropist, Dr. John L. Sailo Ryntathiang died due to COVID-19, at 2. 45 a. m on Wednesday , at Bethany Hospital, Nongrim-Hills, here.
He was the first casualty who died of the disease from the state within twenty four hours after being diagnosed with the contagious disease.
Dr. Sailo, the founder of the Bethany Hospital, here was diagnosed on Monday . His conditions deteroitrated as he was a diabetic patient .
He was 69 years old. 
Dr. Sailo, set up a strong Bethany Hospital in Shillong, later-on, set up the Bethany Outreach Hospital in Nongpoh Ri Bhoi District and an OPD Centre in Umsning, Ri Bhoi District and in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi District and they have a great benefit to the people of Ri Bhoi District immensely.
Dr. John L. Sailo Ryntathiang was MBBS, MD (AIIMS), FCCP and held the position of Director & Consultant Internal Medicine in Bethany Hospital, here.
Yesterday the residents of Jhalupara refused to allow the district administration to cremate the body first fearing spread of viral infection.
