The Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) has raised serious concerns over the worsening state of healthcare services in Tuensang district, urging the Nagaland government and health authorities to take immediate action to resolve the crisis.In a meeting held on July 24 with the Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital Tuensang, the student body highlighted a series of critical shortcomings that have severely impacted patient care and medical service delivery in the region. The lack of essential specialist doctors was the main issue discussed during the meeting.According to the Conference, key positions remain vacant, including that of pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, and gynecologists. The absence of such vital professionals has made it difficult for people in Tuensang and surrounding areas to access quality healthcare, especially in emergencies and for maternal or child health.
A major concern raised was the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) built in 2019 with community support. Despite being fully constructed and equipped, the ICU has never functioned due to the unavailability of trained doctors and technical staff. The Conference questioned why such a crucial facility remains unused while patients continue to suffer due to a lack of critical care services. Reaffirming its long-standing Resolution No. 26, the Chang Students’ Conference stressed that healthcare and education are essential for the region’s development. It urged the authorities to fill all specialist vacancies and ensure that basic health services are made functional without delay.The student body also raised the issue of staff members who had been transferred or placed on attachment but failed to return to their original postings. It has demanded that all such personnel report back to their designated stations within seven days from the date of the statement’s release.
In a subsequent inspection of the Tuensang Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital, the Conference discovered serious instances of absenteeism. Several staff members were absent without valid reason, and in a disturbing revelation, it was found that an Assistant Laboratory Attendant, without proper training, was operating sensitive lab equipment in place of the missing Laboratory Technician.Calling the situation “unethical and dangerously negligent,” the Chang Wedoshi Setshang has urged the state government, Health Department, and concerned officials to act swiftly. It demanded strict accountability for absentees, immediate recruitment of specialists, and proper staffing in all healthcare units in Tuensang.
