Mokokchung, 30 March (MTNews): In response to the allegation that the AYUSH hospitals designated for Tuli and Medziphema were diverted to Tizit and Zunheboto by Advisor to Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Zhaleo Rio and Advisor to Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum on 11 March 2024, the Nagaland State Ayush Mission Society has issued a clarification.
Dr E Motsuthung Patton, Mission Director, Nagaland State Ayush Mission Society stated that there has been “misinformation due to a communication gap” regarding the 10-bedded Integrated Ayush Hospitals (IAH) in Tuli, Mokokchung, and Medziphema, NU, Chumukedima, which were initially projected under Dimapur District.
The director clarified that during the inauguration of the 50-bedded IAH in Razha Chedema, Kohima, the Union Minister of Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, verbally announced the establishment of 10-bedded IAHs in Tuli, Mokokchung, Medziphema (NU) Chumukedima, Chukitong Wokha, and 30-bedded IAH in Kiphire, along with an Ayush Medical College. However, no virtual foundation stone was laid.
In light of this announcement, it was clarified that the Ministry instructed the state to include the proposal in the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) for the fiscal year 2022-23. Consequently, it said, surveys were conducted in the respective districts. However, due to financial constraints in budget allocation, the proposal could not be pursued. During the National Ayush Mission Conclave in New Delhi from 18-19 May 2023, the Union Minister of Ayush directed the state to re-propose the project in the SAAP for the fiscal year 2023-24, including two new 30-bedded IAHs: Tizit, Mon, and Akuhaito, Zunheboto. Accordingly, six IAHs were proposed in the SAAP for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Subsequently, during the appraisal meeting on 5 June 2023, the director explained that the state was instructed to prioritize the construction of 30-bedded IAHs (3 units) followed by 10-bedded IAHs (3 units) to be implemented in a phased manner.
“Therefore, it may be noted here that no question of diversion of hospital project arises but due to financial constraints we are compelled to take up in phase-wise manner which was directed during the mission directorate meeting on 13th June 2023,” it said.
It clarified that the 10-bedded IAH in Tuli, Mokokchung, has been objected to by the Ministry as there is already a 50-bedded IAH approved in Sabangya (Chungtia) under Mokokchung District. Additionally, for the IAH in Medziphema NU campus, the lease system has posed a hindrance to land ownership issues.
The director further mentioned that compared to neighboring states like Assam with only 2 IAHs and Manipur with 4 IAHs, Nagaland has a higher number of Integrated Ayush Hospitals. Nagaland has a total of 11 approved IAHs, with 3 currently functional, 2 under progress, and 6 approved IAHs to be implemented in phases.
“We are thankful to the State Government for supporting Ayush Mission in every aspect especially to fulfill the vision of the Mission’s dream of having one IAH in every district in the state in the shortest possible time span,” it said.