The Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung is grappling with an acute manpower shortage, severely impacting healthcare services. The hospital has been compelled to appoint 24 personnel—including ICU nurses, plumbers, electricians, and even traffic police—using its own resources to sustain operations. Additionally, five vacancies for lab technicians remain unfilled, exacerbating the crisis. This was reported during a surprise inspection by the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) at IMDH, Mokokchung, on January 30, 2025.
Expressing these grievances, the AKM submitted a memorandum to the Principal Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, on January 31, 2025. In the letter, the AKM pointed out that, as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), a 150-bedded district hospital should have sufficient medical manpower, including specialist and support staff. However, at IMDH, the transfer of four medical specialists without replacement has rendered the hospital incapable of providing critical care.
“Despite previous appeals to the department, only one replacement has been made, which is grossly insufficient,” the AKM noted. “Such negligence is unacceptable.”
The AKM has demanded immediate action, including the reinstatement of three transferred medical specialists within 30 days. These include Dr Martula Lemtur (Senior Medical Officer), Dr Epibeni L Humtsoe (Junior Specialist, ENT), and Dr Sutsungkokla Imchen (Junior Specialist). They have also called for the appointment of additional medical and paramedical staff in strict compliance with IPHS guidelines and an assurance that future transfers will not take place without prior replacements.
Furthermore, the AKM has warned that failure to address this issue within the stipulated time frame will compel them to initiate mass agitation to demand the healthcare services that are the rightful entitlement of the people. They stated that any further delay would be considered an act of negligence, and the department would be held accountable. “In light of the above statements, we humbly request you to explore the laid norms,” they added.