The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has submitted a formal representation to the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, demanding the immediate formation of a technical evaluation committee to inspect the ongoing construction at Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung.
In a letter addressed to the Principal Director of the department, AKM expressed “deep discontentment over the ongoing construction works at Dr Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung” and called for “immediate intervention from the concerned authority.”
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According to AKM, the construction project — sanctioned in January 2018 under the National Health Mission (NHM) with a sanctioned amount of approximately Rs 13.70 crore and a completion timeline of 36 months — is “far from complete.” The student body alleged that the progress has been very slow and the construction work involves the use of “substandard building materials.”
“Frequent visits and inspections have been conducted by various CSOs, and numerous complaints have been raised regarding the materials used; yet, the construction does not appear to follow the approved Detailed Project Report (DPR),” the letter stated. AKM further claimed that the structure “lacks quality control measures, is poorly built, and could collapse in the event of a natural disaster.”
During its inspection on May 21, 2025, AKM reported observing “plaster… falling off the walls, and cracks… visible from the ground to the top floor.”
Raising alarm over the implications for public health, AKM reminded that IMDH “caters to patients from other neighboring districts,” and stressed that “construction of hospitals must adhere to the highest safety and quality standards.”
In light of these concerns, the Ao Students’ Conference demanded that a Technical Evaluation team comprising experts and stakeholders be constituted by May 31, 2025, to assess the ongoing construction; that all affected sections be repaired before the building is used; that the contract be revoked or terminated if the firm fails to deliver on time; and that the project be re-tendered and awarded to a more competent firm.
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The student body warned that “AKM will not allow patients to be accommodated in the building if serious structural flaws are not addressed,” citing the safety of patients and medical personnel as their “utmost concern.”
The letter concluded by urging the department “to immediately halt the ongoing construction unless the building is properly evaluated,” and to “fulfill these genuine demands in the interest of public welfare within the stipulated time.”
“Failing this, the AKM will be compelled to take stronger measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the community,” it cautioned.
The letter was signed by AKM President Lanutoshi Aier and General Secretary Satemmongba.