Kohima, August 5 (MExN): The Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) has made an appeal to the Commissioner & Secretary of Health & Family Welfare requesting the upgrade of the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Tseminyu to a District Hospital. The RSZ emphasized that this upgrade is critical for the health and well-being of the residents of Tseminyu District, which was declared Nagaland’s 13th district on December 18, 2021.
In their representation, the RSZ highlighted the need for improved healthcare facilities in Tseminyu. They noted that the current CHC is severely understaffed and lacks the necessary resources to meet the growing demands of the district’s population.
Presently, the CHC is operating with only one Medical Officer on contract, a situation that the RSZ described as untenable for providing adequate healthcare. The group emphasized the need for more full-time Medical Officers, nurses, and technical experts to ensure that residents receive the care they deserve.
The RSZ also drew attention to the inadequate infrastructure of the CHC, which they argued is insufficient to support essential medical services. They called for immediate construction and enhancement of the facility to accommodate vital healthcare resources, which they believe will significantly improve the quality of medical care in the district.
Geographically, Tseminyu District covers an area of 256 square kilometers and, according to the 2011 census, has a population of 63,269. The RSZ stressed that the existing healthcare infrastructure is not equipped to cater to the needs of this population, which has long been deprived of adequate healthcare services. The group also pointed out the strategic importance of upgrading the CHC, given the high incidence of accidents on the NH-2 stretch from Botsa to Wokha District. The lack of a well-equipped hospital in Tseminyu hampers emergency response efforts, potentially costing lives in critical situations.
The RSZ underscored that the Rengma community has historically faced neglect in terms of basic healthcare services. This lack of adequate medical facilities forces residents to travel long distances for treatment, often exacerbating health issues and leading to preventable complications. They argued that upgrading the CHC to a District Hospital would bring long-term health benefits to the community, including improved maternal and child health services, advanced diagnostic facilities, and specialized medical care.