Nagaland: USSC objects to introduction of two-wheeler ambulance in Kiphire, seeks clarification

DIMAPUR — The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has objected to the introduction of two-wheeler ambulance at District Hospital Kiphire, calling the move “insulting and humiliating” for residents of the district.

In a letter addressed to the chief medical officer of Kiphire, the student body conveyed “grave displeasure and serious concern” over the bike ambulance that was flagged off by the Union finance minister during her visit to the district on November 13 and 14.

The organisation said that Kiphire, being one of the most remote and neglected districts, requires fully functional four-wheeler ambulances capable of handling critical medical emergencies.

The USSC described the bike ambulance as “a mere symbolic vehicle that is unproductive, impractical and grossly inadequate for real-time emergency medical response,” adding that the people of Kiphire “do not deserve such an inhuman treatment.”

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It sought immediate clarification on who proposed and approved the procurement of the two-wheeler ambulance, and questioned the finance minister’s remark in Kohima that the vehicle was introduced based on local demand.

It asked which local stakeholders were consulted and on what basis such a demand was claimed.

The USSC demanded that the bike ambulance be replaced with at least two four-wheeler light ambulances suitable for the district’s hilly terrain.

It warned that failure to address its concerns within a stipulated timeframe would compel the organisation to initiate “democratic, legal and mass mobilisation measures.”