LONGKHIM, OCTOBER 1 (MExN): The United Sangtam Students' Conference (USSC) has raised serious concerns over the severe shortage of doctors, staff nurses, and basic medical facilities in the Longkhim-Chare area. The USSC noted that these shortages are significantly affecting healthcare services for the local community.
In a representation to the Principal Director Department of Health and Family Welfare, the USCC stated that Longkhim-Chare area is served by one Community Health Center (CHC), which ideally requires four doctors and seven staff nurses to operate efficiently. However, the current situation is dire, with only one doctor and four staff nurses managing the CHC. This insufficient staffing severely limits the quality and range of healthcare services available to the public, it stated.
The issue is even more critical across the five Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the area, namely PHC-Chare, PHC-Tsadang, SHC-Mangakhi, PHC-Chimonger, and PHC-Angangba. Of these, only PHC-Angangba has a doctor on staff, while the other four PHCs are functioning without any doctors, leaving the residents of these areas with minimal access to basic medical care, the USSC revealed.
In addition to staff shortages, the USSC highlighted the lack of essential medical equipment at CHC Longkhim. The health center is in urgent need of an ultrasound machine, a modern X-ray machine, and a qualified technician to operate them. Additionally, PHC Chare requires a pharmacist to ensure proper medical care.
The absence of adequate medical personnel and basic facilities is putting lives at risk and hindering the effective implementation of public health programs in the Longkhim-Chare area, the USSC stated. In light of these critical issues, the USSC has urged the concerned department to take swift and decisive action to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and improve the medical infrastructure in the region for the well-being of the public.
