The Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has announced a public rally to be held on March 15 at 8:00 a.m. at Mokokchung Police Point, protesting against the government’s failure to address the shortage of doctors at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH).
According to the AKM, the rally is a result of the government’s continued inaction despite multiple representations and an ultimatum submitted by the organization.
The AKM has urged the general public to cooperate and extend support for the cause, while also requesting patience for any inconvenience that may arise due to the rally.
The rally will reportedly be joined by the members of Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, All Ward Union Mokokchung Town and all the students’ union of the six ranges – Asetkong, Langpangkong, Japukong, Jangpetkong, Ongpangkong and Tzürangkong.
AKM unyielding as IMDH staffing crisis persists
A meeting addressing the shortage of medical personnel at IMDH Mokokchung was held between the District Administration, Department of Health & Family Welfare (DHFW), and civil society organizations under the chairmanship of Thsuvisie Phoji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, on Friday.
The meeting, held in the Conference Room of IMDH Mokokchung, was attended by representatives from the District Administration, Police, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (Kohima), Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, and the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM).
As an outcome of the meeting, the DHFW assured that an anaesthetist would be posted ”after completing all due official procedures.” The meeting also acknowledged that the state is currently facing an acute shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists. Consequently, an Obs & Gynae specialist will be appointed following recruitment through the NPSC. Additionally, the DHFW agreed to post a medical officer at the TB Hospital in place of the doctor recently transferred from there to IMDH, Mokokchung.
However, MT has learned that the AKM was not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. The student body reportedly sought a clear timeframe for the deputation of medical personnel and a written assurance from the government, but no such commitment was provided.
As a result, the AKM remains firm in its demands and will proceed with the public rally scheduled for March 15. The student organization is expected to announce its ”next course of action” at the rally.
It may be noted that on March 6, the AKM issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, demanding urgent intervention to address the issue of medical personnel shortage at IMDH, Mokokchung.
ALSO READ | AKM issues 7-day ultimatum over severe doctor shortage at IMDH Mokokchung
The student body placed four key demands before the department: Immediate appointment of a second anaesthetist to ensure that surgeries and critical operations are not affected; Deployment of at least one more gynaecologist to share the heavy workload and prevent unnecessary referrals; Strict adherence to IPHS guidelines in staffing IMDH to prevent further deterioration of healthcare services; and Immediate replacement of the outgoing doctor from TB Hospital to IMDH.
In its ultimatum, the AKM warned of stronger measures, including mass agitation, if their demands were not met within seven days. The student body asserted that the neglect of IMDH’s staffing crisis is depriving the public of essential healthcare services.
With the deadline expired and no written assurance from the government, the AKM is set to escalate its movement, beginning with the rally on March 15.