Dimapur, June 20 (MExN): The United Sangtam Students' Conference (USSC) has termed the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare's response on the deployment of medical personnel and facilities under the Longkhim-Chare area as "highly unsatisfactory" and reiterated its demand for immediate posting of doctors and strengthening of healthcare services.
In a rejoinder addressed to the Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, the conference referred to the department's letter dated June 15 and stated that it remained firm on its charter of demands.
The USSC demanded that all five Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under Longkhim and Chare, along with the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Longkhim, be staffed to their full sanctioned strength as per the standard government staffing pattern and be provided with all essential medical facilities.
The conference said that merely ensuring that sanctioned Staff Nurse posts are filled does not address the acute shortage of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and Medical Officers (MOs) required for the effective functioning of healthcare institutions in the area.
Expressing concern over the transfer of doctors from the Longkhim-Chare region without immediate replacements, the USSC said it was "deeply pained and dismayed" by the department's admission that doctors had been shifted without relievers being posted.
The conference also rejected the department's explanation that vacant SMO and MO posts would be considered only after departmental promotions and completion of the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) recruitment process.
It questioned the basis on which existing doctors were transferred without ensuring immediate replacements, stating that the health and lives of citizens cannot be put on hold due to prolonged administrative procedures.
The USSC further declared that it would not suspend its ongoing agitation until its demands are fulfilled in "letter and spirit", including the physical deployment of appropriate medical officers to the concerned health centres and provision of the necessary medical facilities.
Alleging that the department's negligence amounts to a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, the conference warned that the department would be held solely responsible for any untoward situation arising from the present healthcare deficiencies and said it would be compelled to initiate legal action if necessary.
The conference called for the department's immediate intervention and necessary action to address the issues raised.
