Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 12
The Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench on October 12 has constituted a team to inspect the progress of the ongoing construction of Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Kohima.
The team will inspect the college on October 15, and submit a report before the Court thereafter, stated an order issued by the Division Bench comprising of Justices LS Jamir and Songkhupchung Serto.
The Bench was hearing a batch of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) pertaining to the project and other issues related to public heath care in Nagaland.
As per the Court’s order, the team comprised advocates TB Jamir, Tongpok Pongener, Joshua Sheqi and Apila Sangtam in the presence of counsel for the petitioners Neiteo Koza, counsel for the petitioners; ZN Ngullie, counsel for the Union of India; and N Mozhui, counsel for the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) and Principal Director, (H&FW).
“On the said date fixed, the Department shall also ensure that a Technical Team is present in the site. Thereafter, the Inspection Team shall submit a report before this Court,” the order stated.
On September 28, the counsel for the H&FW submitted that that the Sports Complex, MS and Dean Residence is completed and the 100 sq. apartment (4 blocks) is also on the verge of completion and the rest of the other works will be completed on or before the timeline fixed. Accordingly, the Bench then noted that a Team would be constituted for inspection.
On October 12, the H&FW’s counsel also furnished a paper clipping of advertisement calling for applications for filling up of 6 posts of Professor, 20 posts of Associate Professor, 24 posts of Assistant Professor and 38 posts of Senior Resident/Tutor.
As there is no timeline provided in the said advertisement, the counsel shall apprise the Court with regard to the timeline for the recruitment process and issuance of appointment orders to the posts advertised, the Bench stated, listing the matter for further hearing on October 19.
Closes Sou Motu PIL
Meanwhile, the Bench closed a PIL (Suo Moto) on Wednesday, first taken up in 2021 based on a newspaper report with regard to the increase in COVID infection in the State of Nagaland.
During the hearing, the H&FW counsel submitted a letter from the Secretary H&FW to the Department’s Principal Director (PD) on October 7, issuing few directives for “strict compliance with immediate effect” in compliance to the HC order dated September 28.
Among others, it directed the PD to ensure that all the detached Medical Doctors on temporary attachment to various District Hospitals, District Task Force and the NHAK are in their respective original place of posting.
The PD was also asked to see that no MOs and Staff are attached in the Directorate pool and submit a proposal for transfer and posting from the Directorate pool to the health units where there are shortages.
“All CMOs/MSs shall ensure the officers detached report for duty and submit report to the Principal Director, H&FW,” it added.
It further directed the CMOs and medical superintendents to conduct a routine inspection of all health units on regular intervals and submit a report to the PD on a monthly basis on the attendance/performance with a copy to the Government. The erring officials to be dealt according to the laid down Nagaland Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 196, it added.
It further asked the PD to ensure detachment of other Medical personnel who are on attachment at various health facilities with immediate effect.
The Amicus Curiae of the case also informed that Court that brought some of the Doctors posted at some CHCs and PHCs are on study-leave or are attached at some other places.
On view of the submissions, the Bench closed the PIL directing the State respondents, particularly the Principal Secretary and PD to ensure that the October 7 letter is strictly adhered to even in the future.
