'MACS encouraging non-functional NGOs'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 04 2014:
'Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) is encouraging non-functioning NGOs by releasing funds for AIDS control programmes to them', alleged Leishang, spokesperson of Ukhrul District NGOs Alliance for Health (UDNAH) during a survey on NGOs working under MACS in Ukhrul district under the initiative of All Manipur Anti-Drug Association (AMADA) and the UDNAH yesterday.
At a meeting with the press at Diocesan Social Service Society at Hamleikhong in Hungpung Ukhrul, Leishang pointed out that the NGO Citizens' Alliance for Re-empowerment (CARE) has been providing services to IDUs of Ukhrul since April 2013 due to withdrawal of Project Orchid from the area.
Meanwhile, the MACS has provided funds for Targeted Intervention project to an NGO namely Centre for Development Activities (CDA) which is said to be based in Sanakeithel, disclosed Leishang while alleging that the said NGO is non-existent and non-functional in the said area.
The MACS approved the sanction to the said NGO vide its memo no.1092/new proposals/MACS/GO/09 dated 28th November 2013, cited the spokesperson while adding that the Project Director of MACS was earlier urged to cancel the project as the NGO is non-existent in Sanakeithel area.
However, no action has been taken so far, he claimed.
.KYuingam, secretary of UDNAH also drew the attention of the government towards the NGOs of Ukhrul district which are availing funds without doing any tangible activities.
Talking to the mediapersons, AMADA Secretary Organisation Megha warned that the public outcry for abolition of MACS may come up, if it continues encourage non-functioning NGOs in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.
On further enquiry, the pastor Rev.Ng.
Hungnco of Sanakeithel admitted that the said NGO in the name of Centre for Development Activities (CDA) is no more functional.
As part of the survey, the team met Dr.Mingyaola Vashum of Ukhrul District Hospital who informed the team that the hospital has only 9 doctors at present as against the provision of 30 doctors.
There was no specialist doctors in Ukhrul hospital, in spite of the dire need.