Kohima: Nagaland’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak, has committed to a series of infrastructure and service enhancements at District Hospital Phek, including the provision of a laparoscopic machine, ultrasound machine, ambulance services, and the appointment of an additional Medical Officer (MO) at the Chozuba Trauma Centre. The assurances were made during the conclusion of the second phase of a state-wide health inspection tour, aligning with the government’s broader vision of achieving a “Viksit Nagaland for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
During the June 26 inspection, Minister Konyak was accompanied by senior officials, including the Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, the Deputy Commissioner, and the Superintendent of Police of Phek. The team conducted a thorough review of the hospital’s infrastructure and services, assessed the implementation of Central and State schemes like CMHIS and Ayushman Bharat, and examined storage and operational facilities under the Chief Medical Officer’s office.
At a review meeting held later in the hospital conference hall, attended by tribal Hohos, village council members, and senior officials, Konyak underscored the seriousness of the visit. “This is not a VIP visit but an operational review to assess manpower strength, equipment needs, OPD performance, and fund utilization,” he stated. The minister also emphasized the need to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and reiterated his department’s goal to upgrade all district health centres to meet Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarks.
To strengthen healthcare delivery, Konyak granted authorization to Medical Superintendents, in consultation with respective Deputy Commissioners, to utilize funds generated through CMHIS and Ayushman Bharat for hiring specialist doctors and improving patient services. He also confirmed that additional MOs would be recruited through the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC), and that MBBS graduates under the Nagaland quota would be absorbed into state service as per their bond agreements.
On June 25, the minister paid a surprise visit to the Chozuba Community Health Centre (CHC), where he lauded the efficiency of the centre despite it being managed by a single medical officer. He expressed concern over rising HIV cases in the region and directed the health department to post another MO at the facility and conduct a comprehensive survey to determine the root causes behind the surge.
Minister Konyak concluded his visit by expressing optimism about the healthcare potential in Phek district. “Phek District Hospital can become a model for other districts as we collectively strive toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he affirmed.