TB patients exposed to winter frost
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 27 2014: Whereas the TB and Leprosy Hospital constructed at Keirao Wang-khem, Imphal East district remains incomplete till date, many emaciated and feeble TB patients who are undergoing treatment at Chingmeirong TB Hospital are being exposed to freezing cold due to broken or shattered windows and doors.

After the plot being occupied by the TB Hospital at Chingmeirong was taken over by the Government, a new building was constructed at Keirao Wang- khem to shift away the hospital.

The Sangai Express today inspected both the old hospital at Chingmeirong and the new one being constructed at Keirao Wang- khem.

But it could not be confirmed when the TB hospital would be shifted to the new building.

Broken doors and windows: Tell-tale signs of apathy ?

After the buildings formerly used by CVTC were taken over by the Government, the same buildings were repaired for the TB Hospital apart from constructing a new double- storeyed building.

In addition, a tank and quarters of nurse and staff are being constructed.

The construction work is now almost complete.

The portions which are yet to be completed are doors and windows of toilets/bathrooms, laying of tiles and installation of wash basins.

But no signs of expeditiously completing the unfinished portions could be seen.

Only two/three labourers could be seen working at the hospital at a leisurely pace.

The labourers said that some three/four fellow labourers were laying tiles but they went home.

Nonetheless, they are expected back in the next couple of days.

Repairing of buildings formerly used by CVTC was completed quite a long time back.

Construction work of some staff quarters has been completed by almost 50 per cent while some others were abandoned after completing the foundation part.

Electrification and installation of ceiling fans have been completed.

But the hospital campus as well as the incomplete staff quarters are overgrown with shrubs and grasses.

Some local people said they thought that the hospital would be shifted there within a short period but the construction work has come to a grinding halt although it has been four/five years since the construction work started.

Furniture items required for the hospital including beds for patients have been already procured.

As there is no care-taker except for the four/five labourers, there were instances where some youngsters were found injecting drugs, drinking alcohol and indulging in other immoral activities, said some local people.

They also sought immediate attention of the authority concerned.