Since inception in early 1990s, only 120 cases have been filed and had come up for hearing in the East Khasi Hills District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum. For such a big district, this figure is too small. This can only be attributed to the general ignorance about the benefits offered under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Apart from that very little is done to inform the consumer about his rights. The case of medical practice is very peculiar.
Doctors doing private practices have no uniformity in their charges for consultation.
People have realized the futility in depending on the government infrastructure, hence their greater reliance on indigenous medicines to cure the various ailments. A PHC is considered 'established' when buildings are constructed and staff positions created. Therefore, figures may show a substantial coverage of rural populations by PHCs and CHCs whereas in practice they languish without staff or equipment. 112 subcentres exist without any staff. While so much stress is laid on construction of buildings, no priority is given to health education which is completely absent.