The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, has issued a detailed clarification on several ongoing and completed health infrastructure projects in Dimapur, following a news item published by the Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) on November 7.
On the upgradation of the School of Nursing to College of Nursing at Dimapur, the department stated: “The work order for ‘Upgradation of Nursing College at DH Dimapur’ was issued in 2 (Two) Phases dated 13/03/2024 viz: Phase – I: Site Development; Dismantling of Existing Structure; Construction of Kitchen; Construction of Ground Floor (to be completed within 10 months). Phase – II: Construction of First Floor & Second Floor (completion period-10 months). The stipulated completion date for the combined Civil Works is upto November 2025 and is targeted to be completed within the timeline.”
Officials added that “The physical progress of the project is at 65% for the above-mentioned works only and does not include the other services which will start on completion of the civil works. Out of Rs 3.50 crores received from the Ministry, an amount of Rs 3.47 crores has been released to the contractor as per the progress at site. Any compromise in quality, if any, will be rectified as per DPR specification.”
Regarding the construction of borewells and overhead water tanks including filtration units, the department clarified: “The sanctioned cost includes the provision of 2 (Two) Nos. overhead water tanks with iron structures and iron filtration units, in addition to the 2 (Two) Nos. of Borewells. The estimate is as per NPWD SoR and is not as stated in the media. No payment has been made to the contractor till date.”
The department also provided details on the boundary wall construction, saying: “The total length of the wall is about 600 meters with a height of 1.83 meters Brick wall above the plinth beam and CRSM work below the plinth level. It may be noted that only 51% of the total payment has been released to the contractor so far, as the work is still in progress. The cost estimates for the works have been arrived as per NPWD SoR 2021 and hence, there is no issue of overestimation.”
On the PHC Staff Quarters at Kuhuboto, the department said: “The Staff Quarter at Kuhuboto PHC was completed on 24/09/2021 and the Completion Certificate was issued by Competent Authority after due inspection and verification. However, any wear & tear owing to passage of time, the department will repair accordingly and ensure occupation by the staff of the concerned health unit.”
For the Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) at District Hospital Dimapur, officials stated: “The Construction of Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) was completed on 19/03/2025 and is fully operational. Any compromise in quality of work, if any, will be covered under defect liability of the contract.”
The department, through the Medical Engineering Wing, reaffirmed that all projects are proceeding according to approved timelines and quality standards, and emphasized that payments have been made in line with actual progress.
The clarification comes after DDCC had raised concerns regarding delays, alleged poor workmanship, incomplete infrastructure, and inadequate staffing at health facilities, including the absence of doctors at Niuland PHC and sub-centres across the districts.