The Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) has formally requested the Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland to upgrade the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Tseminyu to a District Hospital.
In a letter to the Commissioner & Secretary, RSZ highlighted that Tseminyu was declared the 13th district of Nagaland on December 18, 2021. They argued that upgrading the only CHC in Tseminyu to a District Hospital is essential due to the district’s growing needs. Tseminyu District, predominantly inhabited by the Rengma Nagas, spans 256 square kilometers and has a population of 63,269, according to the 2011 census.
RSZ noted that the Rengma community has historically faced substantial neglect in basic healthcare facilities. “The current infrastructure of CHC Tseminyu is insufficient to support essential medical equipment and services. Immediate construction and enhancement of facilities are required to accommodate vital healthcare resources and ensure the provision of quality medical care,” the RSZ stated.
They also emphasized that the absence of a fully functional hospital forces residents to travel great distances for necessary medical services, exacerbating health issues and leading to preventable complications. Furthermore, the RSZ pointed out that the NH-2 stretch from Botsa to Wokha District is a high-risk, accident-prone area. “The lack of a well-equipped hospital in Tseminyu significantly hampers emergency response and the ability to save lives during accidents and critical situations,” they added.
The RSZ stressed the urgent need for the CHC to be equipped with necessary facilities and staffed with adequate manpower, including Medical Officers, Nurses, and Technical Experts. Currently, according to RSZ, the CHC is severely understaffed, with only one Medical Officer on contract. An increase in full-fledged Medical Officers and healthcare personnel is crucial to meet the district’s healthcare demands.
Upgrading CHC Tseminyu to a District Hospital will bring long-term health benefits to the residents, including improved maternal and child health services, advanced diagnostic facilities, specialized medical care, and overall better health outcomes for the community, the RSZ noted. The RSZ expressed hope that the authorities will consider their earnest request and take prompt action to upgrade the CHC Tseminyu to a District Hospital, significantly enhancing healthcare services for the residents of Tseminyu District.
