The Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) has raised serious concerns over the healthcare delivery system in Tuensang district.
In a release on August 3, the student body informed that it held a meeting with the Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital Tuensang on July 24 to address the critical concerns affecting the healthcare system in the district. The discussion primarily focused on the shortage of specialist such as pediatrics, orthopedic, ophthalmologist, anesthesiologist, and gynecologist.
CWS highlighted that the shortage of specialists has had a severe impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services to the public.
The student body also flagged the non-functional of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital which was constructed through community contributions in 2019.
“The facility remains idle due to the unavailability of qualified specialist and technical staff required for its operation,” CWS stated.
Expressing deep concern over the lack of adequate medical professionals in these key areas, the CWS cited its “Resolution No.26” which underscores the non-negotiable importance of the health and education sectors.
In this regard, the conference urged the concerned authorities to take urgent and concrete measures to fill the specialist vacancies and restore uninterrupted healthcare services to the people of Tuensang and neighboring areas.
Meanwhile, CWS stated that during the course of the meeting, it came to light that certain staff members who had been placed on attachment continue to remain absent from their designated postings. In this regard, the conference mandated that all such staffs to relocate and report to their respective posting place within seven days from the date of issuance of its press statement.
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Subsequent to the meeting, the conference conducted an on-site inspection of the Tuensang Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital, which also revealed a “disturbing level of absenteeism”.
According to the student body, attendance records indicated that multiple staff members had been absent for prolonged and unexplained periods. “Of particular concern was the absence of the designated Laboratory Technician, which compelled an Assistant Laboratory Attendant to operate laboratory equipments- an act that is unethical, unprofessional and potentially hazardous to both patient and staff involved,” CWS stated.
It further directed the staff listed to report to their respective posting place on or before August 9 and warned that failure to comply will lead to disciplinary proceedings as per applicable provision of the CWS. The list of staff who were found absent included – W Linghomong (statistical assistant), P Pushu (statistical assistant), Yourhamong (publicity assistant), Setsichum (publicity assistant), S Athrong (x-ray technician), Changsomba (BCG technician), Kilangle (BCG technician), P Thangsoi (lab-assistant), C Mechu khiam (dark room attendant), Y Lerise (peon), Seboba (peon), L Mughato Chishi (lab-technician), Japan Kokba (peon), and B Akum (BCG technician).
The conference further stated that it would remain steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding public welfare and upholding transparency and accountability in essential services and any negligence or compromise in the health and education sectors will be met with firm action.
