Members of the Chang Wedoshi Setshang and hospital staff pose for a group photograph after the meeting held on July 24 at District Hospital Tuensang under the “Hospital Dialogue” initiative.
Tuensang, August 3 (MExN): The Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) held a high-level meeting with the Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital Tuensang on July 24 to address a series of critical issues plaguing the public healthcare system in the district, including a chronic shortage of specialists, a defunct Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and widespread staff absenteeism.
In an official press statement, the Conference said the interaction focused on the lack of key medical specialists in Pediatrics, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Anesthesiology, and Gynecology. “This inadequacy of specialists has had a severe impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare services to the public,” it said.
A major issue highlighted was the non-functional ICU at District Hospital Tuensang. The unit, which was constructed in 2019 through community contributions, remains unused due to the absence of trained specialists and technical personnel needed to operate it.
Citing Resolution No. 26, which prioritises health and education as non-negotiable sectors, the Setshang urged the concerned authorities “to take urgent and concrete measures to fill the specialist vacancies and restore uninterrupted healthcare services to the people of Tuensang and neighbouring areas.”
The Conference also raised the matter of staff members who have been placed on attachment and continue to remain absent from their designated postings. It directed all such personnel “to relocate and report to their respective posting place within 7 days from the date of issuance of this press statement.”
Following the meeting, the Chang Students’ Conference conducted an inspection of the Tuensang Tuberculosis Hospital. According to the group, records revealed “a disturbing level of absenteeism,” including the prolonged and unexplained absence of the designated Laboratory Technician. The absence forced an Assistant Laboratory Attendant to operate laboratory equipment, which the Setshang described as “unethical, unprofessional and potentially hazardous to both patient and staff involved.”
In response, the Conference has issued a directive to the following staff members to report to their assigned posts by August 9, 2025, failing which disciplinary proceedings will be initiated: W. Linghomong (Statistical Assistant), P. Pushu (Statistical Assistant), Yourhamong (Publicity Assistant), Setsichum (Publicity Assistant), S. Athrong (X-Ray Technician), Changsomba (BCG Technician), Kilangle (BCG Technician), P. Thangsoi (Lab Assistant), C. Mechu Khiam (Dark Room Attendant), Y. Lerise (Peon), Seboba (Peon), L. Mughato Chishi (Lab Technician), Japan Kokba (Peon), and B. Akum (BCG Technician).
The Conference reaffirmed its commitment to public welfare, stating, “Any negligence or compromise in the health and education sectors will be met with firm action.”
The July 24 meeting was part of the Setshang’s “Hospital Dialogue” series, held at District Hospital Tuensang under the theme “Bridging the Head and the Hand.” The initiative aims to foster accountability and empower local institutions through community engagement.
