Community-funded ICU lies idle since 2019; CWS issues 7-day ultimatum to absentee staff
A high-level meeting between the Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) and the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Tuensang on July 24 has brought urgent attention to the deteriorating state of public healthcare in the district.
The Conference flagged the persistent shortage of specialists in critical departments—Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Anesthesiology, and Gynecology. The absence of these professionals has left patients in Tuensang with limited or no access to essential medical care.
Also under the spotlight was the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), constructed through community contributions in 2019. The facility has remained non-operational for six years due to the unavailability of qualified specialist and technical staff required for its operation.
CWS reiterated its Resolution No 26, which underscores the non-negotiable importance of the health and education sectors. The student body called on responsible authorities to act without delay, fill the vacant specialist positions, and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for Tuensang and neighboring areas.
Widespread absenteeism, mismanagement exposed
The meeting revealed that certain staff members who had been placed on attachment continue to remain away from their designated postings. In view of this, the Conference mandated that all such staff to relocate and report to their respective posting place within 7 days from the date of issuance of this press statement.
During a follow-up inspection of the Tuensang Tuberculosis (TB) Hospital, CWS found attendance logs indicating prolonged staff absenteeism. Alarmingly, in the absence of a designated Laboratory Technician, an Assistant Lab Attendant was reportedly operating lab equipment—an act the Conference termed “unethical, unprofessional and potentially hazardous to both patient and staff involved.”
In response, the Conference issued a strict directive to 14 staff members to return to their assigned stations by August 9.
Non-compliance will invite disciplinary action under Conference provisions, it said. The staffs were as follows:
· W. Linghomong, Statistical Assistant
· P. Pushu, Statistical Assistant
· Yourhamong, Publicity Assistant
· Setsichum, Publicity Assistant
· S. Athrong, X-Ray Technician
· Changsomba, BCG Technician
· Kilangle, BCG Technician
· P. Thangsoi, Lab Assistant
· C. Mechu Khiam, Dark Room Attendant
· Y. Lerise, Peon
· Seboba, Peon
· L. Mughato Chishi, Lab Technician
· Japan Kokba, Peon
· B. Akum, BCG Technician
“The Conference remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding public welfare and upholding transparency and accountability in essential services,” stated the CWS. “Any negligence or compromise in the health and education sectors will be met with firm action.”
