Chang students’ body issues ultimatum to truant health staff in Tuensang

DIMAPUR — The Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to over a dozen absentee staff members to return to their designated postings or face disciplinary action.

The directive comes in the wake of a joint meeting held by the Setshang with the Medical Superintendent of Tuensang District Hospital on July 24.

Following the meeting, the student body conducted an on-site inspection of the Tuensang TB Hospital, where it uncovered what it described as a “disturbing level of absenteeism.” Attendance logs revealed that many staff members had been missing for prolonged, unexplained periods.

Of particular alarm was the reported absence of the designated laboratory technician. In their absence, an assistant laboratory attendant was found operating lab equipment—a situation the CWS condemned as “unethical, unprofessional, and potentially hazardous.”

“The Conference mandates all such staff to relocate and report to their respective posting places within seven days from the date of issuance of this press statement,” the CWS warned in a press release issued on Sunday, setting a compliance deadline of August 9.

Failure to do so, it added, would invite disciplinary proceedings. A list of 15 staff members were named, including technicians, assistants, and support staff, all of whom have allegedly remained absent without valid justification.

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Critical specialist shortages

Among the most pressing concerns discussed at the July 24 meeting was the acute shortage of specialist doctors in Tuensang District Hospital. Vacancies in Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Anaesthesiology, and Gynaecology were flagged as areas that have caused serious disruptions to patient care.

The CWS also expressed grave concern over the non-functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the district hospital. Built in 2019 through community donations, the ICU remains idle to date due to a lack of both specialists and technical personnel to operate the facility.

The student body reiterated its commitment to upholding public interest and protecting essential services, citing its Resolution No. 26 which identifies healthcare and education as priority sectors.

It asserted that any negligence or compromise in the health sector would be met with firm corrective action. It also called upon authorities concerned to act swiftly to fill critical medical vacancies and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the people of Tuensang and adjoining areas.