Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Oct. 3: The long-standing land encroachment issue of the District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) came to light again when Minister for Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom visited the facility for the inauguration of its computerised registration counter on October 3.
Speaking at the function, Phom assured the doctors and staff that stringent action would be taken up against those found guilty of land encroachment under the district hospital. He admitted that there have been many lapses and shortcomings from “few people” in the department and that he would take corrective measures.
“I will not hesitate to take stern action against any official who has taken part in the encroachment of land,” said Phom, maintaining that the land was not private property and the officials must serve and facilitate to help patients.
The minister admitted that he has been notified on the land encroachment and promised to take up the case immediately after consulting with the legal cell of the department. He added that a grace period will be given to those responsible for the issue after which no excuses will be entertained.
Dr Z. Keshito Zhimo, medical superintendent of DHD, had issued a letter dated July 17, 2018 to Dr. Vikiye Losu, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, regarding the rampant land encroachment of the DHD and issuing of land patta in favour of individual encroachers by the authorities.
The letter stated that the staff under medical superintendent, DHD, and chief medical officer (CMO), Dimapur held a series of meetings on the issue and passed a resolution to “safeguard all government properties and land by forming a group of legal advisors.” It also said that under the advocacy of S. Hukavi Zhimomi, the department intends to identify all the land encroachers and conduct a survey with the assistance of the land revenue department and district administration, Dimapur.
Moreover, the department of Health and Family Welfare had on May 15, 2018 appealed to all stakeholders to caution in dealing with the land of the district hospital through publications in local dailies.
The Naga Council is also said to have extended support on this issue and has sought information on the status of land encroachment by individuals through an RTI for future course of action.
Losu expressed concern over the encroachment issue and advised the medical superintendent of DHD, legal advisors and senior doctors to sit together and come up with a course of action. He also said that the doctors and nurses of DHD not only provide services to people of Nagaland but also from Assam and Manipur.
“This is a sign of development and prosperity in the hospital, where income is streamlined and revenue is generated,” said Losu while citing the example of the newly inaugurated computerised registration counter.
