KABA and NHAK officials during the inauguration go the guesthouse on November 14. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 14
The Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (KABA) today donated the Patient Attendant Guesthouse, a five storey building constructed by the Church costing Rs 1,65,00,000 (one crore and sixty five lakhs) to the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
Inaugurated by Rev M Asangba, Sr Pastor, KABA, the guesthouse was built in commemoration of KABA Platinum Jubilee with the sole purpose to provide shelter to underprivileged patients and their attendants who seek treatment at the NHAK travelling from the interiors and remote parts of Nagaland.
The guesthouse was officially handed over to the NHAK officials today, where the KABA informed that they will not have any involvement thereafter.
The Church expressed the hope that the guesthouse will provide a sense of rest and comfort to the patients and their attendants, as well as physical and spiritual healing.
“It is a historic day for the church, for the hospital and for the people of Kohima,” said Rev Sentisashi, Pastor, KABA during the inauguration.
Highlighting the plight of patients and their attendants seeking treatment at NHAK, Rev Sentisashi reminded how people coming from outside the capital are often confronted with the problem of accommodation.
“While the patient may be admitted at the hospital, many of the attendants have to stay at their relative's place far away from the hospital. This is a big problem for them. We thought the Church should be generous enough to work together and provide a place for them,” said Rev Sentisashi.
The Church leader also reminded that the guesthouse will not be used for revenue generation; however minimum charges must be worked out for maintenance costs. Most importantly, the Church asserted that the guesthouse should be made available for the underprivileged people.
“KABA’s gesture of Christianity will go a long way to open the eyes of other churches.”
-Dr Vizolie Suokhrie, Director, DoH&FW Nagaland
Updating on the project, Dr Imotemsu, Convenor of the Construction Committee informed that the building costs one crore sixty five lakhs.
Following the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of KABA in 2014, the church approved the project. A few challenges on allocation of the building site delayed the construction, the Convenor infomred. Dr Imotemsu acknowledged the then Managing Director of NHAK, Dr Neikhrielie Solo for taking interest in the project and helped allot the site. The project started in 2018, mentioned Dr Imotemsu, however due to the pandemic this year the completion took time.
The guesthouse comprise of five floors with 34 beds (12 double rooms and two dormitories). Each double bedded room is attached with bathroom, a living room and a kitchen with necessary utensils including 16 gas connections and cylinders. The guesthouse has also been provided with PHED water connection as well as rainwater harvesting facilities.
“We have laid a good foundation using the best quality material available,” informed Dr Imotemsu.
Thanking the KABA for their magnanimity, Dr Vizolie Suokhrie, Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoH&FW), Nagaland mentioned how the NHAK has been a hospital that caters to people from all the districts in the State, highlighting the struggles of especially the attendants who come to take care of the patients.
“KABA's gesture of Christianity will go a long way to open the eyes of other churches,” said Dr Suokhrie.
Dr Thorhusie Katiry also informed that the NHAK will be setting up a committee to look after the management of the guesthouse. Maintenance charges will be made for consumable goods such as electricity, water, gas etc, mentioned the Managing Director. With frontline workers at NHAK facing accommodation issues, the guesthouse will first be hosting the frontline workers of NHAK.
The history of Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo (KABA) dates back to 1939 where 9 people from the Ao community started the Church in Kohima. Today the Church has 3500 households and 9000+ baptised members. Rev Sentisashi remarked that the newly donated guesthouse has the blessing and prayers of each member of the KABA.
