Shillong, Meghalaya: Gracetyfull Marngar, a 32-year-old nurse from West Khasi Hills District, has tragically passed away from rabies at Civil Hospital Shillong. Marngar, who was bitten by stray puppies two months prior, had not received the necessary anti-rabies vaccination, leading to her untimely death.
The incident, which came to light on September 17, has prompted Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh to announce plans to expand the availability of anti-rabies vaccines. Currently, vaccinations are not uniformly accessible at all health sub-centres, a gap that the government aims to address to prevent future tragedies.
Marngar, who worked as a Mid-Level Health Provider at Tynghor Health Sub Centre, exhibited severe symptoms of rabies despite receiving weeks of treatment at Civil Hospital Shillong. Her death underscores the critical importance of prompt vaccination following potential rabies exposure.
Marngar is survived by her husband and their one-year-old child. Her funeral service is scheduled for September 18 at the Catholic Church Cemetery in Laitkseh, West Khasi Hills.