Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has expressed serious concern over situation at the Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung, which it said was in “a dire state due to severe manpower shortages.”
In a letter addressed to the principal director, Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), the AKM president Lanutoshi Aier and general secretary Satemmongba stated during a surprise inspection at IMDH, Mokokchung on January 30, 2025, the union found that currently the hospital was forced to appoint 24 personnel, including ICU nurses, plumbers, electricians and traffic police, using its own resources to meet operational demands.
AKM stated that additionally, there were five unfilled vacancies for lab technicians, aggravating the crisis. The union stated that the shortage of doctors and medical personnel had not only resulted in hindering the hospital to provide comprehensive care but many patients have been compelled to seek medical assistance elsewhere, often at great financial and emotional expenses.
AKM further pointed out that as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), a 150-bedded district hospital should have sufficient medical manpower, including specialist and support staff.
However, AKM said that the transfer of four medical specialists from Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital without replacement has rendered the hospital incapable of providing critical care.
Despite appeals to the department, AKM said only one replacement had been made, which it described was “grossly insufficient.”
AKM has, therefore, demanded immediate deployment of new medical specialist or reinstatement of the three medical specialists, who were transferred on July 23, 2024 within 30 days.
It also demanded appointment of additional medical and paramedical staff to fill all existing vacancies in strict adherence to IPHS guidelines.
AKM also sought assurance that further transfers would not be executed without prior replacements.
Failure to address the issue within the stipulated time, the union said it would be compelled to initiate mass agitation. “Any further delay will be interpreted as an act of negligence and we will hold the Department accountable,” AKM cautioned.