Shillong(Meghalaya), April 15 : The first victim of COVID -19 in the state of Meghalaya, Dr. John L Sailo Ryntathiang was embalmed as per prescribed norms and protocol of COVID – 19 dead patients as laid down by the Government of India and WHO.
Earlier the Health Minister A. L. Hek said that the mortal remain was to be cremated at the Jhalupara crematory but was not allowed by local people who were panicky that the virus would spread.
They said there is no proper infrastructure for cremation of a COVID-19 patient, and the killer virus would spread in the area.
The local people said the workers at the crematorium are not skilled, and they do not have safety gear or personal protective equipment.
It was also decided that the ashes, after the cremation, would be placed in a coffin, and would have buried it at Dr. Sailo Rynthathiang’s farm house near Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi district .
However ,the Executive Committee of Nongpoh Dorbar Shnong decided not to allow the burial of the body of the COVID19 victim in his farm house as there is fear and concern that the virus may spread in the area .
By special arrangement with Highland Post
