Tousem PHC's doctor treats patients through ASHA telephone
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Tamenglong, January 29, 2011:
The doctor of the Tousem PHC treats patients through the ASHA telephone.
In the absence of the doctor coupled with lack of road connectivity many patients including pregnant women died in the last two years.
This was revealed in the public hearing held at Tousem HQs to take up grievances of public with regard to fulfillment of children's Entitlements to Education, Health, Food and Nutrition, Safety and Security organized yesterday at the Indoor Stadium with Dinganglung SDO Tousem as chairperson.
ASHA members said that Dr Edwin, MO incharge was posted at Tousem PHC but he prefers to be absent from his post.
Patients would come to ASHA to contact the doctor who would then prescribe medicines over the mobile phone.
Ramtingching, ex-chairman Tosuem Village Authority said that with government departments in Tousem Sub-Division being totally defunct it has become a cause of child trafficking.
In the public hearing, spokesmen narrated the lack of basic human needs in Tousem and demanded better road connectivity.One Haimasuang pointed out that because of poor road connectivity agricultural and horticultural products are left unsold to rot.
He also said due to lack of good schools, electricity, good health centre and road connectivity, some parents have been forced to send out their children for a better education.
Another speaker, Mrs Agnes stated that with Tousem being below the poverty line it has become a target of child traffickers.
She also said, small children were forced to donate blood leading to night blindness and deafness.
In the hearing, panelists like the Medical Officer, AE (PHED), AE (elect), AE (PWD), MO (Vety), AO (Agri), DPO ICDS, AI (ZEO) and AI (ADC) were all absent.
The last public hearing will be held at Nungba on 4th February 2011.Even the SDO, Dinganglung had to walk to Tousem HQs to attend the hearing.
Interestingly, chairperson of the public hearing, Dinganglung said child trafficking in Tousem is due to the fault of the parents adding that blaming others will not make things better.
He urged for cooperation of the people in utilising development funds.