In the enchanting town of Shillong, nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery of Meghalaya, the story of Bethany Hospitals is a tale of dedication, compassion, and a deep desire to serve the community. It all began in the 1990s when (Late) Dr. John L. Sailo Ryntathiang, returned to his hometown of Shillong after completing his MD from the prestigious AIIMS, New Delhi. With a heart full of empathy for his fellow citizens, Dr. Sailo set up a small clinic named Bethany Medical Centre at Nongrim Hills, Shillong. Despite having only basic facilities such as an X-ray machine, a pathology lab and a pharmacy, the clinic soon became a hub of medical care for the local community. Dr. Sailo's sincerity and dedication to the welfare of his patients made him a beloved figure in the community, and he soon realized that the demand for medical care was only going to grow in the coming years. Driven by his passion for healthcare, Dr. Sailo transformed his humble clinic into a fully-fledged multi- specialty hospital in 2002, named Bethany Hospital, with a capacity of 100 beds.
With the compassion and committement of staff members and addition of state-of-the-art equipment such as CT scan, MRI machine, USGs, and computerized X-rays, the hospital steadily gained momentum. In February 2011, the hospital underwent an expansion with the addition of a new wing that increased its bed capacity to 175. This move was aimed at meeting the ever-rising demand for beds and ensuring that every patient received the care they deserved. The hospital's easy accessibility, prompt and professional approach, and individualized care by the staff contributed significantly to its rapid growth.
However, Dr. Sailo's vision went beyond just providing medical care to those who could afford it. He was deeply concerned about the lack of adequate facilities in rural areas and the people's suffering as a result. He knew he had to act on this call of conscience and started planning a similar health facility for the rural people. This vision gave birth to the Bethany Hospital Outreach at Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, which was inaugurated on 9th August 2014. This facility aimed to provide quality healthcare to the rural population and was a testament to Dr. Sailo's deep compassion for those in need. Encouraged by the success of Bethany Hospital Outreach, Dr. Sailo decided to expand his outreach efforts even further. He opened Bethany Hospital Outreach Diagnostics and Primary Care Centre in Byrnihat and OPD Services in Umsning, both in Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. These facilities provided much- needed diagnostic services and primary care to rural communities, helping to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare.
The story of Bethany Hospital, Shillong and its centres is a story of a doctor's unwavering dedication to his community, a passion for healthcare, and a deep sense of empathy for the less fortunate. Dr. John L. Sailo Ryntathiang's vision has transformed the lives of countless individuals in Shillong and rural Meghalaya, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.