DIMAPUR, JUNE 30 (MExN): It’s not every day that the Nagaland Government can rope in a VIP from New Delhi for inauguration purposes. So when Union minister for Doner, Mani Shankar Aiyar, arrives in August for summits concentrating on information technology and related matters, the state government would want him to spare some time for opening the Christian Institute of Health and Scientific Research.
If and when Aiyar unveils the plaque on August 11 or 12, it would facilitate the realization of the balance of amounts towards construction of the erstwhile Referral Hospital. There’s one hitch though. At least some segments of the hospice, initially to start with 150 beds, need to be completed before Aiyar touches down in Nagaland.
With this in mind, the Governor, the Chief Minister, two ministers, the chief secretary, a host of top officials and a large entourage stopped by at Dimapur to convince hospital authorities to complete at least the OPD, casualty and maternity wards before the day of inauguration.
At a press conference after lunch at his Dimapur residence, Rio said though he had announced that the medical facility would be inaugurated on May 26 during the last budget session, the delay in releasing funds by the Doner ministry had hampered the construction process. The North East Council had also not released liabilities to contractors, he added.
Now optimistic that as the concerned ministry will release the second installment of financial support soon, Rio said he would be writing to Aiyar tonight. “We are happy with the progress of the work. Equipments have started arriving.”
CIHSR authorities want a bank security from the Nagaland government as agreed upon in the MoU signed between both parties. The government says it will work out some form of arrangement.
For the hospice’s security a platoon of the Central Reserve Police Force will now take over from personnel of the Nagaland Armed Police. And to clean the premises of the facility, Rio wants IRB recruits to clear the foliage and unwanted shrubbery.
Calling for the people’s cooperation, he sought “no encroachment, no harassment” and more importantly, “no demand from any quarters.” The last five words under quotes in the last sentence refer to the underground groups who have placed demands before the hospital.
Taking a cue from the name of the hospital, Rio said those under a “Christian” mission should not be inflicted with troubles.
Health Minister Dr TM Lotha informed that specialist doctors and nurses from Christian Medical Centre and Emmanuel Hospitals Association, Vellore would be helping out in the functioning of the hospital initially aided by qualified medical professionals from Nagaland.
Thereafter, the high-profile team from the capital left to inspect the mini tool room and training centre handed over to Nagaland University. Industries Minister H Khekiho Zhimomi said the mini tool room which produces machine parts, and which imparts training for the same, was constructed under the stipulated time and under the required budget frame.
