Share
EMN Dimapur, August 22
Running out of patience and keeping its vigil over the lack of sincerity and commitment, negligence and poor attendance of government employees in their offices, mostly the HoDs/AHoDs in Zunheboto district headquarters, a team of Sumi Hoho (SH) led by its president, Hovishe Arkha and secretary, Vihuto Asumi paid a surprise visit, checking and inspected several government offices on August 19. According to a press statement, the outcome of the visit was beyond comprehension, since most of the HoDs/AHoDs were not stationed in Zunheboto. The release said when the Hoho team visited the Zunheboto District Hospital, the Medical Superintendent (MS) was not in station. When it asked for the ‘Attendance Register’, they learnt the register was never maintained. Doctors present during the surprise visit were Dr Viheshe, Dr Shikato, Dr Nitovi, Dr Viholi and Dr Aron. It was also learnt that Dr Veveduyi and Dr K Abi Angami are attached elsewhere. “In spite of the repeated appeal by the NGOs and public leaders to the concerned authority to upgrade Zunheboto District Hospital to at least 100 bedded from present 50 bedded, it is given step motherly treatment and all those colourful promises are never kept,” the hoho lamented. It said the chief minister inaugurated the Hospital to 75-bedded on November 13, 2009, and yet, the department has done nothing required for a District Hospital. No infrastructure development and no additional man power, equipments, etc. have been provided till date. Even the Regional Diagnostic Centre (RDC) is not functional unlike other districts, complained the SH. “As per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), District Hospitals should have about 34 doctors of various specializations and 75–100 nurses.” However, Zunheboto District Hospital (now known as Hezukhu Memorial Hospital) has only 6–10 doctors and 20–25 nurses. The Hoho questioned “when manpower is much less, why are doctors appointed or posted to Zunheboto Hospital are attached elsewhere?” Even the most required Gynecologist is not available. There was no room for the Emergency Doctor. Operation Theatre (OT) Room and Labour Room are in a pathetic condition, remarked the SH in disappointment. The Hoho acknowledged Dr Viheshe, retired CMO who is appointed on contractual basis as GDMO through NRHM Scheme for his sincerity and being a perfect example to the few doctors who are handling the job of 30- 40 doctors. While visiting other offices it also reportedly learnt that the SDEO, Horticulture Officer and Sericulture Officer hardly come to the station. Horticulture and Sericulture offices were closed during the visit. On visiting the GHSS Zunheboto, the Hoho said the teaching staff were sincerely and diligently discharging their duties. However, it added that the infrastructure was deplorable condition and some part of the building is on verge of collapsing with unhygienic surroundings due to lack of proper drainage systems. The new school building was locked as the department had failed to release the pending bill to the contractor, it stated and expressed surprise over the apathy of the department. The Sumi Hoho further lauds the competent and sincere officers who are sincerely working for the welfare of the public. “However, there are some departmental officers (HoDs/AHoDs) who summons the dealing assistants to bring files and salary slips for signature to their residence in Dimapur, Kohima and so on.” The Hoho has thus, sternly warned those erring HoDs/AHoDs that such negligence shall never be tolerated. The Sumi Hoho has also appealed to the government and the concerned departmental authorities to assure that Zunheboto gets its share of what it deserves in terms of human and physical developments. Stating that although all the departments could not be covered in the first phase, the Hoho shall be visiting the uncovered offices in the follow-up phases by conducting such surprise visits on regular basis.