Newmai News Network AIZAWL | JUNE 5 All organisations in Kolasib district of Mizoram have called an indefinite 'road block' on National Highway-54 connecting Mizoram with Assam to protest against the transfer order of a surgeon at Kolasib District Hospital. According to leaders of Joint Action Committee (JAC) constituted by all civil bodies in Kolasib district of Mizoram, the blockade would begin from Tuesday (6 June), 5 am onwards for indefinite time till positive response is received from the government. The JAC leaders also said that all government offices and educational institutions in Kolasib town would remain closed as part of the protest. However, the strike would not affect business shops, media, medical duty, emergency duty, milkmen, DIET and IGNOU students who are writing their exams, according to JAC leaders. Meanwhile, the government declared dry day and asked to close all liquor shops in Kolasib town to avoid untoward incident following the indefinite road block and strike called by the JAC. The civil society organisations have been demanding the government to revoke the transfer order of one Dr. Zothansanga Zadeng, a surgeon who is presently posting at Kolasib district hospital, due to shortage of surgeon at the hospital. Earlier on May 18 the government issued an order directing Dr. Zadent to shift to Serchhip district hospital. Several attempts have been made earlier by leaders of Kolasib organisations including Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) to meet the Health minister of Mizoram over the matter which went futile due to reported tight schedule of the minister. The leaders also met Mizoram Home Minister, R. Lalzirliana and other officials but the issue could not be resolved. Leaders of the JAC today told reporters that they strongly opposed to the transfer order due to shortage of surgeons at Kolasib District Hospital and said that Dr. Zadeng is the only surgeon presently being posted at the hospital. Expressing their grievances, the JAC leaders said that they have been facing shortage of surgeons at the district hospital since 2008 after two surgeons, namely Dr T Lalrochunga (L) and Dr Machhana (Pathology) were transferred from the hospital. In 2013, the government transferred a surgeon who again left the hospital after serving for three months. They also alleged that the government of neglecting to Kolasib District Hospital. Clarifying the assumption that two surgeons are presently being posted at Kolasib District Hospital, the JAC leaders said that one surgeon Dr. Zochampuia (Dr. Chpa) was recruited for a programme under NRHM and he was not assigned to remain on guard at the district hospital. They further reiterated that it is only Dr. Zadeng who is presently posted as a surgeon in the district hospital. The JAC leaders further said their agitation against the government’s order was not to hurt the sentiment of Serchhip people and added that their intention was only to retain their doctor. Meanwhile, leaders of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) while speaking to media at a press conference in Aizawl today asked the leaders of Kolasib JAC not to go ahead with indefinite road block. The MPCC leaders said that the transfer of Dr. Zadeng was necessitated by the untimely death of a surgeon at Serchhip District Hospital. While urging the people of Kolasib to have patience, the MPCC leaders said that the state government has been taking efforts to find solution to the shortage of doctors in the state. “The government is recruiting 26 new doctors to meet the inadequacy and the last date of interview will be completed on June 13 this year,” the MPCC leaders said and urged the people of Mizoram to have patience.
