In a bid to assess the state of healthcare in the region, the Seyochung Village Students’ Union (SVSU) conducted a visit to the Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) in Seyochung Village. The visit aimed to understand the condition of essential health services in the area.

During their interaction with the staff, the Union was informed that the Centre handles, on average, one childbirth each month, excluding cases referred from surrounding villages, and sees a daily footfall of around 30 patients in the Outpatient Department (OPD). The staff highlighted persistent shortages of medical personnel, medicines, and medical equipment, which are severely affecting their ability to manage the growing healthcare needs of the area.

The Union found that despite these limitations, the OPD typically treats between 120 and 160 patients per month, with the numbers rising to over 250 during certain seasons. The staff also reported that conducting weekly Village Health and Nutrition Days (VHND) in the catchment areas remains extremely challenging due to poor road connectivity and the long distances they must travel.

The centre staff appreciated the Union’s visit and their continued support. In response, the Union assured full assistance to the health sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Union, President Longtili C. Sangtam stated, “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. SVSU strongly appeals for the upgradation of the Seyochung Health Centre to a Primary Health Centre (PHC) for the welfare of all citizens.”

Sangtam further informed that SVSU had formally raised the issue earlier, submitting a letter to the Health Department on October 1, 2024, followed by a representation to the Principal Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima, on November 12, 2024.

Highlighting the reasons behind the urgent need for a PHC, he stated that the village is 16 km from Seyochung ADC headquarters and 71 km from the district headquarters in Kiphire.

He also stated that Seyochung village has the highest population under Seyochung ADC, even more than Seyochung town and many nearby villages depend in this Health and Wellness Centre for medical services.

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Sangtam further stated that Thsingar Village, which falls under the centre’s coverage area, is located at a very far distance —possibly the farthest catchment area under any Health and Wellness Centre in Nagaland.

He further urged the government to give priority to this matter in the interest of the people.

He lamented that despite repeated requests by the Union for the posting of an additional nurse at the centre, no action has been taken so far.