The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) held a public rally at Police Point in Mokokchung on March 15, protesting the Nagaland government’s failure to address the acute shortage of doctors and medical personnel at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH).
The protest follows repeated representations and ultimatums issued by AKM, accusing the Department of Health and Family Welfare of neglecting the hospital’s staffing crisis. Various organizations, including Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, and student bodies from the six ranges of the Ao region, participated in the rally.
AKM President Lanutoshi Aier revealed that on January 31, 2025, the student body had submitted a formal representation to the Principal Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, demanding the immediate replacement of transferred specialists and the filling of vacant posts at IMDH
Currently, the 150-bed hospital, which requires 25 doctors under Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), operates with only 15. Aier further disclosed that IMDH has been compelled to appoint 24 non-medical personnel—including ICU nurses, plumbers, electricians, and even traffic police—using its own resources to keep the hospital running. Additionally, five laboratory technician posts remain vacant
“The shortage of doctors has disrupted regular outpatient department (OPD) services, severely impacting not just Mokokchung but also patients from neighbouring districts,” Aier said, adding that AKM’s demand for immediate staff recruitment was met with inaction.
Following the expiration of the government’s deadline, AKM issued a seven-day ultimatum, highlighting a severe shortage of specialists in departments such as Obstetrics & Gynaecology (Obs & Gynae) and Anaesthesia. The hospital currently has only one gynaecologist, who has handled approximately 3,958 cases in the past 11 months. Aier noted that when the doctor is unavailable, patients—especially those from rural areas—suffer greatly.
Meeting with Authorities Ends in Deadlock
On March 14, a day before the rally, a committee meeting was convened at the IMDH Conference Hall, attended by officials from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, AKM, Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, and hospital representatives. However, the discussion failed to yield a concrete resolution.
Authorities assured that an anesthetist and a doctor transferred from the TB department would be reassigned once procedural formalities were completed. However, no solution was provided for the gynaecologist shortage. Officials cited a statewide scarcity of specialists and stated that recruitments could only be conducted through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC)
AKM strongly criticized this response, pointing out that no NPSC recruitment advertisements have been issued since 2021 due to ongoing court cases. With no clear timeline, Aier warned that such delays could extend for another four to five years, further deteriorating IMDH and other district hospitals.
“We made it clear to the committee that without a specific timeframe and written assurance, our agitation will continue,” Aier asserted.
AKM Rejects Meeting Minutes, Plans Further Agitation
AKM also distanced itself from the official minutes of the March 14 meeting, refuting claims that an agreement had been reached. The student body clarified that their representatives’ signatures on the document merely served as attendance records, not as endorsements of any resolution.
Aier stated that unless the department provides a written commitment within a specified timeframe, AKM will continue its protest in phases. The next phase of agitation is set to begin on Monday, March 17.
“If there is a clear timeline and written assurance regarding the gynaecologist’s appointment, there may be room for negotiation,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ao Senden and Watsü Mungdang also participated in today’s rally, where they delivered brief solidarity speeches.
Aowati, Vice President of Ao Senden, stated that good medical facilities, proper infrastructure, quality educational institutions, and efficient communication systems are essential for development. He emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to provide these necessities and should not divert its focus from them.
“The public must hold the government accountable for its duties. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure quality medical facilities for the people, safe roads for travel, and well-established educational institutions to impart knowledge and wisdom. However, in Nagaland, especially in Mokokchung district, we face severe shortages in these areas, which is why we are in a crisis,” Aowati remarked.
He highlighted the inadequate healthcare facilities in the district, pointing out that the only district hospital, IMDH, suffers from a shortage of doctors. “When villagers come seeking medical attention and there are no doctors to treat them, what is the use of having a hospital? IMDH not only caters to patients from our district but also to those from neighbouring districts. With an increasing number of patients, the public is facing immense challenges,” he added.
Aowati also noted that while the public fulfils its responsibilities by paying taxes and abiding by the law, the government must reciprocate by providing essential services. He affirmed that Ao Senden fully supports and cooperates with the AKM on this issue.
Arenla Longkumer, President of Watsü Mungdang, in her address, expressed frustration over the ongoing struggles faced by the public. “We have been patient and have tried our best, but the suffering continues. We, as ordinary citizens, cannot raise our voices in the Assembly, but our elected representatives—whom we trusted and placed our faith in—should be speaking for us. Yet, to this day, there has been no positive action,” she said.
She appreciated the efforts of AKM and its officials, as well as Ao Senden, for persistently addressing these issues. Arenla further emphasized that IMDH, being one of the oldest district hospitals, should have been upgraded to national and even international standards by now. However, the lack of progress has left the public to bear the brunt of these problems.
AKM has vowed to intensify its agitation until the government takes concrete steps to address the staff shortages at IMDH.
