Healthcare crisis: CWS seeks urgent govt intervention

Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating healthcare infrastructure in Tuensang district and called for immediate intervention from the concerned authorities.
According to CWS, a meeting was held with the Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital, Tuensang, on July 24 to deliberate on the shortage of specialists, including pediatricians, orthopedists, ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists, and gynecologists. CWS stated that the lack of specialists has severely impacted the quality of medical services available to the public.
Another key concern highlighted by CWS was the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the district hospital, which has remained non-functional since its construction in 2019. Built through community contributions, the facility lies idle due to the absence of qualified specialists and technical staff required for its operation.
Reaffirming its Resolution No. 26—which underscores the non-negotiable importance of the health and education sectors—CWS urged authorities to take concrete steps to fill the vacancies and restore uninterrupted medical care to Tuensang and neighbouring regions.
As part of its ongoing monitoring efforts, CWS also conducted a field inspection of the Tuensang Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital, where it found alarming levels of absenteeism, including the prolonged and unexplained absence of staff such as the designated Laboratory Technician. It was observed that, in the technician’s absence, an Assistant Laboratory Attendant had been compelled to operate laboratory equipment—an act CWS deemed unethical and potentially hazardous.
In view of these findings, the Conference issued directives for all staff members currently placed on attachment to report back to their original postings within seven days. It also instructed several personnel to report to their designated stations by August 9, failing which disciplinary action would be initiated under CWS provisions.
CWS reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in essential services, warning that any negligence in health and education would be met with firm response.