The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has “expressed its wholehearted support to the Chungtia Students’ Union (CSU) in their rightful demand and ultimatum concerning the ongoing construction of the 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Sabangya, Mokokchung District, Nagaland.”
In a statement, AKM said it was “deeply concerning that despite the sanctioning of a total amount of Rs 442.91 lakhs for the project, and more than six years having passed since the issuance of the work order, the construction remains incomplete with only 65% progress as per reports.” It added that “the repeated delays and questionable workmanship not only reflect gross negligence on the part of the concerned contractor and department but also raise serious concerns regarding the safety and structural integrity of the hospital building.”
Calling the AYUSH Hospital “a project of vital importance to the entire district and beyond,” AKM lamented that “its completion should have been a priority.
Instead, the compromised quality of work observed threatens public safety, healthcare accessibility, and the confidence of the community. Such lapses cannot and must not be tolerated.”
Further, AKM said it “strongly endorses the CSU’s demand for a Joint Technical Inspection involving qualified technical experts from the Department to carry out comprehensive quality tests, including Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, Rebound Hammer, and Core Cut Sampling, to ascertain the soundness of the structure.” It insisted that “this inspection be conducted within the stipulated timeframe as demanded by CSU, and strict accountability be fixed on all parties responsible for the undue delay and substandard execution of the project.”
Cautioning against any compromise, the apex Ao student body asserted that “no compromises can be made when it comes to the health, safety, and welfare of the people. The student community will stand united in ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice in this matter.”
It concluded with a call to action: “We call upon the concerned authorities, particularly the Department of Health & Family Welfare, to act with urgency and sincerity in addressing this pressing issue. Failure to do so will invite collective democratic action from the student and public community.”