Members of the Seyochung Village Students’ Union with health centre staff during their visit to the Health and Wellness Centre in Seyochung Village, Kiphire district, on June 28.
SEYOCHUNG, JUNE 29 (MExN): The Seyochung Village Students’ Union (SVSU) has reiterated its appeal to the state government for the upgradation of the Seyochung Health and Wellness Centre to a Primary Health Centre (PHC), citing overburdened staff, lack of essential medical equipment, and the high patient load.
During a recent visit to the centre, SVSU members interacted with the staff to assess the health infrastructure and service delivery in the area. Health workers informed the Union that the OPD handles about 30 patients daily, translating to 120–160 patients a month, with seasonal surges pushing the figure beyond 250. The centre also manages, on average, one delivery per month, excluding referrals.
The staff expressed concern over the acute shortage of personnel, medicines, and equipment, which they said makes routine functioning extremely difficult. They also highlighted the challenge of conducting weekly Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHND) in far-flung catchment areas due to poor roads and distances.
SVSU President Longtili C. Sangtam reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to supporting the health centre, while pressing for immediate intervention from the government. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. SVSU reappeals for the upgradation of Seyochung Health Centre to a Primary Health Centre for the welfare of all citizens,” he stated.
Sangtam informed that the Union had previously raised the issue through a letter to the Health Department on October 1, 2024, and submitted a formal representation to the Principal Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, on November 12, 2024.
He added that Seyochung Village, located 16 km from the sub-divisional headquarters and 71 km from Kiphire district headquarters, has the highest population under the Seyochung ADC, surpassing even Seyochung Town. Several surrounding villages, including Thsingar — described as one of the farthest catchment villages in Nagaland — rely on the centre for medical services.
Despite repeated appeals for the posting of an additional nurse, Sangtam said no action has been taken so far. He urged the state government to prioritise the matter in the interest of public health.
