Health Minister pledges health infra upgrades in Phek

KOHIMA — Minister for Health and Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, on Thursday assured the provision of a laparoscopic machine, ultrasound machine, ambulance, additional medical officer at Chozuba Trauma Centre, and other essential healthcare services to strengthen the medical infrastructure at District Hospital (DH) Phek.

The assurances were made during the second phase of the minister's statewide tour, which concluded in Phek district, according to an update. The visit aimed to address service and infrastructure gaps as part of the ‘Viksit Nagaland for a Viksit Bharat’ vision.

Led by the minister, the secretary of Health and Family Welfare and officials from the department, along with the DC and SP of Phek, inspected DH Phek on Thursday. The team reviewed the storage house in the CMO’s office, the infrastructure, the service of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and Ayushman Bharat, and other essentials at DH Phek.

Also read: Paiwang Konyak announces multiple health projects for Zunheboto

Following the inspection, the minister held a meeting at the conference hall of DH Phek in the presence of the DC Phek, SP Phek, tribal Hohos, and village council members.

Addressing the gathering, the minister reiterated that the visit was not a VIP visit but an exercise to review the strength of manpower, infrastructure development, performance of doctors, availability of equipment, maintenance of OPD timings, OPD load, and utilisation of funds, etc.

As per the requirements of District Hospital Phek, Paiwang expressed his commitment to fill the gaps by developing health centres across the state, keeping in mind the development of the nation and state by 2047 and achieving Indian Public Health and World Health Organisation standards.

The minister also gave full authority to the medical superintendent of Phek and other district hospitals, in consultation with the respective DCs, who are the chairmen of the district health societies, to judiciously use the revenue generated from the hospital through CMHIS and Ayushman Bharat insurance schemes by engaging specialists.

This will ensure that citizens are not burdened with travelling outside for health aid. He referred to other districts where the same has been applied, as it also ensures that the hospital does not lack any specialists for needy patients.

On the shortage of manpower, he reiterated that the issue will soon be resolved with medical officers joining through NPSC and the current MBBS students studying under the Nagaland quota, as the students will join the department according to the surety bond upon completion of their studies.

The minister, however, strictly informed that the doctors should perform diligently, adding that the department will address these issues.

Following the inspection of DH Phek, the minister visited Community Health Centre (CHC) Pfutsero and acknowledged the high patient load from Pfutsero and its surrounding areas.

He committed to upgrading the CHC with essential manpower and infrastructure support. The minister assured filling the gaps by providing an additional medical officer, procuring an X-ray and an ultrasound machine, constructing security fencing, and undertaking repair and renovation, in addition to building a new block.

The minister also made a brief halt at the Integrated Ayush Hospital Razha, Chedema, paid a quick visit to the hospital, and interacted with the patients.

While thanking the department officials and all the people involved in participating in the department’s statewide tour, the minister said that the tour was an eye-opening experience, shedding light on ground realities, and that the department must continue to advance its initiatives, undeterred by the challenges that lie ahead.

Earlier, the minister also paid a visit to CHC Chozuba on June 25, while on his way to Phek district.

After reviewing the CHC, the minister expressed satisfaction with the management and functioning of the CHC, including the trauma centre being managed by a single medical officer.

However, concerned with the rise in HIV rates and other related cases, the minister assured that one medical officer would be posted at CHC Chozuba. The minister also directed the department to conduct a survey on the reasons for the rise in HIV-related cases.