USSC rejects H&FW clarification, vows to continue agitation

DIMAPUR, JUN 20 (NPN): United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has rejected the health & family welfare (H&FW) department’s clarification on the deployment of medical personnel and facilities in the Longkhim-Chare area, describing the response as “highly unsatisfactory” and warned that its ongoing agitation would continue until its demands were met.
In a rejoinder addressed to the principal director of health & family welfare (H&FW), USSC president Adekhing I. Sangtam and general secretary Tsathrongli T. Sangtam said the conference remained firm on its demand that all five primary health centres (PHCs) under Longkhim and Chare, along with the community health centre (CHC) at Longkhim, be staffed to full strength in accordance with the prescribed government staffing pattern and equipped with essential medical facilities.
The union maintained that keeping sanctioned staff nurse posts filled did not address a severe shortage of medical officers required for effective healthcare delivery.
USSC also expressed concern over the transfer of doctors from Longkhim-Chare area without immediate replacement, describing the move as arbitrary and detrimental to healthcare services.
The conference further criticised the department’s explanation that vacant senior medical officer (SMO) and medical officer (MO) posts would be considered after departmental promotions and recruitment through Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) were completed.
Calling the delay unacceptable, USSC questioned the rationale behind transferring existing doctors before posting relievers, arguing that healthcare services and public welfare could not be left dependent on lengthy administrative processes.
Reiterating its stand, the conference said it would neither halt nor suspend its agitation until medical officers were physically deployed to the affected health centres and the required medical facilities were provided.
USSC also alleged that the department’s inaction amounted to a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens and cautioned that it would be compelled to pursue legal remedies if the situation remained unresolved.
The conference maintained that the department would be held responsible for any adverse consequences arising from the shortage of medical personnel and healthcare services in the area.