Paiwang Konyak announces multiple health projects for Zunheboto

KOHIMA — Minister of Health and Family Welfare P Paiwang Konyak on Wednesday announced multiple healthcare infrastructure projects for Zunheboto and sought cooperation from all stakeholders to make the projects a reality.

According to an update, the minister is presently touring Nagaland as part of the Viksit Nagaland initiative under Viksit Bharat. Following an inspection, the minister held a meeting with tribal leaders and civil society representatives during which the projects were announced.

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These included, besides the ongoing construction of the District Hospital, Zunheboto: construction of flat-type staff quarters, an urban public health centre (PHC), an integrated public health laboratory, a CMO building, establishment of a nursing school, a 30-bedded AYUSH hospital, a new PHC building at Pughoboto, construction of Satoi PHC, Sukomi Sub Centre, Hebolimi Sub Centre, Hoshepu MO quarter, Satakha MO quarter, and Xukhepu staff quarter.

Regarding the ongoing construction of the district hospital, where progress had been lacking, the minister reminded that the department does not encourage extension of the completion period, as it leads to cost escalation.

In this regard, he sought the intervention of the local MLA, tribal civil society members, and all political party workers to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated period, i.e., December 2025, reminding them that the project will conclude by December 2025 and no further extension will be granted.

Mentioning the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Viksit Nagaland for Viksit Bharat, Paiwang said that by 2047 India should be developed, and Nagaland cannot afford to lag in healthcare. He expressed his hope to see better health facilities in Zunheboto district.

Regarding the shortage of manpower, the minister expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved once the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) completes recruitment, as well as with the current MBBS students who will be joining the department upon completion of their studies, as per the surety bond made.

Besides other related issues, the minister also emphasised the judicious use of funds, registration under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), Ayushman Bharat, maintenance of OPD timings, closure of pharmacies without valid licences and ensuring genuine pharmacies, and participation in the TB elimination campaign.

He said that even if the department provides full facilities, if the citizens do not use the District Hospital facilities, the hospital will break down.

Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies and LMCP, K T Sukhalu, while appreciating the minister, said he had not witnessed any ministers in previous years taking the whole team and inspecting at the grassroots level. He added that Zunheboto will definitely see a sea of change under the minister’s leadership.

Sukhalu also acknowledged the minister for announcing the mega projects and assured full cooperation to ensure the smooth and successful completion of all the projects. He further urged the district administration, the MS, and the CMO to jointly create awareness about CMHIS and the Ayushman Health Card to provide free access to health services.

Further, the advisor also informed that to secure the equipment, he will contribute funds from his Local Area Development Fund (LADF) iconic projects for the expansion and renovation of the eye OPD room.