Nagaland’s Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, has assured the provision of crucial healthcare infrastructure and services at District Hospital Phek, including a laparoscopic machine, ultrasound machine, ambulance, and the posting of an additional Medical Officer at the Chozuba Trauma Centre.

This announcement came during the second phase of the minister’s state-wide health infrastructure review tour, aimed at addressing gaps in healthcare services and aligning with the vision of “Viksit Nagaland for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

The minister was accompanied by the Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, departmental officials, and district administrators including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Phek.

During the inspection of the District Hospital Phek on June 26, the team reviewed various facilities including the storage area at the CMO’s office, existing infrastructure, the implementation of Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), and Ayushman Bharat services.

At a meeting held in the hospital conference hall, attended by local leaders including tribal hoho representatives and village council members, Paiwang clarified that the visit was not a VIP visit  but an exercise to review the strength of manpower, infrastructure developments, performance of doctors, availability of equipment, maintenance of OPD timing and OPD load and utilization of funds etc.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

He emphasized the government’s intent to bring all health centres in the state up to IPHS (Indian Public Health Standards) and WHO standards, with a focus on developing robust healthcare systems by 2047.

To enhance hospital autonomy, the minister empowered the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Phek, and other district hospitals, in consultation with the respective Deputy Commissioners, who is the Chairman of the District Health Society, to judiciously use the revenue generated from the hospital through  CMHIS and Ayushman Bharat by engaging specialist doctors to reduce patient burden from travelling outside the state seeking medical aid.

He referred to other districts where the same has been applied as it also ensures that the hospital does not lack any specialist for the needy patients.

On addressing manpower shortages, Paiwang said that the issue will be mitigated through the recruitment of Medical Officers (MOs) via NPSC and the absorption of MBBS students under Nagaland’s quota, who are obligated by bond to serve in government institutions after graduation.

He issued a stern reminder that doctors must perform their duties diligently, assuring that the department will take necessary actions to improve performance standards.

Expressing optimism, the minister said the District Hospital Phek will excel in the days to come setting an example for the rest of the district’s hospitals, also achieving a Viksit Nagaland for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

On June 25, en route to Phek, the minister also made a brief stop at Chozuba Community Health Centre (CHC). He expressed satisfaction with the CHC’s performance, particularly its trauma centre managed by a single Medical Officer.

Concerned over the rising HIV cases in the region, Paiwang assured the posting of another MO and directed the department to conduct a survey to identify the causes of the rising HIV rates.