A Rebound Hammer Test was conducted on Friday at the main building (Block A) of the District Hospital, Mokokchung. The test forms part of the larger upgradation and quality assurance process under the National Health Mission (NHM), sanctioned for the 2018–19 scheme year.
The inspection was carried out by North East Engineer, a Guwahati-based structural engineering firm, following formal approval from the State Health Society, Department of Health & Family Welfare, via letter No. NL/NHM/07/CW-DH/2018-19/pt-1/1063 dated July 2, 2025. The initiative was taken under the directive of the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, in response to growing public concern over the quality of construction at the site.
The test primarily focused on key structural components—columns, beams, and slabs—spread across all three floors of Block A. Each selected area underwent six spot tests, with each spot receiving five rounds of hammer impact, in line with standard procedures for evaluating the surface hardness and compressive strength of concrete.
The test was conducted in the presence of a large group of stakeholders. Among those present were the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Deputy Director of Health & Family Welfare, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent of IMDH, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), and Executive Engineers from both the Medical Engineering Division (Kohima) and PWD (R&B) and Housing departments. Also in attendance were representatives from construction firms KC Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Artain Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. Dimapur, members of Ao Senden, the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), contractors, workers, and members of the local press.
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Preliminary assessments based on the field results have revealed a mixed picture. While many sections of the structure demonstrated adequate concrete strength, a few areas reportedly fell below the benchmark, sparking concerns over the overall quality of workmanship. Most notably, the plastering on walls, pillars, and ceilings was observed to be substandard in almost all the places.
Although the official test report from the engineering firm is still pending, initial observations from engineers and officials present point to a need for further evaluation and possible corrective measures.
The testing follows earlier calls for intervention by the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), which had on May 31, 2025, issued a strong directive to halt all construction activities at the hospital. Citing concerns over construction quality, AKM demanded a complete inspection by an approved evaluation team before allowing any further progress on the project. The district administration responded swiftly, forming a committee to oversee the inspection and facilitating the current structural audit.
The detailed findings from the Rebound Hammer Test are expected to be submitted within five to seven days, while the committee constituted by the district administration is likely to present its preliminary assessment in the next one or two days.
As Mokokchung’s healthcare needs grow, so does the importance of delivering a hospital facility that is not only modern and well-equipped but also structurally sound and built to last.
