A view of Community Health Centre (CHC), Aghunato has steadily become a vital healthcare facility for several surrounding villages since its inauguration on January 8, 2003. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Aghunato | March 30
The Community Health Centre (CHC) Aghunato has steadily become a vital healthcare facility for several surrounding villages since its inauguration by Neiba Ndang, the then Health Minister of Nagaland, on January 8, 2003.
The healthcare centre’s catchment area includes 14 surrounding villages—Aghunato A, Aghunato B, Tsukomi, Ghuvishe, Zheyishe, Ngozubomi, Lukikhe, Shevishe, Keltomi, Phuleshetomi, Melahumi, Luvishe New, Luvishe Old, and Ghokishe.
The medical staff covers 3 to 4 villages each month, visiting at least twice to ensure healthcare access for the local population.
Inadequate power and resource constraints
Though the staff at CHC Aghunato continue provide essential healthcare services to the people of Aghunato and neighbouring areas, there are numerous challenges.
One of the most pressing challenges at CHC Aghunato is an insufficient power backup system.
Despite the installation of solar panels and a solar water heater, these systems have remained non-operational since installation, serving merely as decorations, as per sources at the centre.
Although a generator backup is available, the cost of maintenance and fuel procurement remains a significant burden, heightened by the lack of adequate funds for such expenses.
“It is not feasible to ask patients to cover the costs of fuel, especially when some already struggle to afford transportation fees to the facility,” a staff member informed.
Further, the healthcare centre operates with limited resources, particularly in terms of medicines and medical equipment.
“The medicines we receive from the department barely last a week,” another staff member noted, terming it “disheartening” that they are unable to provide proper care for patients.
There has also been a shortage of essential supplies like bandages for over two years, though the staff makes do with gloves and other available materials.
Given the vast distances some patients travel, particularly from Shamator, Kiphire, and Tuensang districts, the need for more resources is even more critical, it was stressed.
“The journey from Kohima to Aghunato is long, making it challenging for the department to intervene and provide medicines and equipment,” another staff worker observed.
Shortage of medical staff
Another significant challenge at CHC Aghunato is the shortage of medical staff.
Currently, the centre currently has only five doctors—one Senior Medical Officer (SMO) who is on the verge of retirement, one dentist, one AYUSH doctor, and two general practitioners, with one on study leave.
Further, there are the centre has six nurses, bringing the overall staff to 53.
More healthcare professionals are required to ensure quality healthcare services, and the staff expressed hope for greater community support to help fill this gap.
Despite these challenges, the staff at CHC Aghunato remain resolute in their mission to provide healthcare services to the community.
In 2024, the healthcare centre successfully handled 52 births, while 16 healthy babies have been delivered so far this year.
One such notable delivery took place when an expectant mother from Aiponger Village in Shamator, after traveling a long distance, successfully gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 3.5 kg on January 16, 2025, at 8:06 PM.
Despite the odd hours and infrastructure challenges, the nurses at CHC Aghunato played a crucial role in facilitating a smooth delivery.
While healthcare workers at CHC Aghunato continue to demonstrate resilience and dedication despite limited resources, their ability to provide quality healthcare would be significantly enhanced with necessary upgrades.
The department and the community’s contribution and support are essential for the continued services of CHC Aghunato, ensuring essential quality healthcare for residents of Aghunato and surrounding areas.
