No health support : People of Tamei, Tousem left in the lurch
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2014: Denizens of Tamei and Tousem areas of Tamenglong district are having a tough time as the much-needed health support to the common people through Primary Health Centres at the subdivisional headquarters have failed miserably due to absence of doctors.

Since the doctors concerned fail to join duty even after the Govt has appointed them to the health centres, there were several instances of expecting mothers losing their lives on their way to Imphal for delivery.

The Govt, in June/July this year, had appointed six doctors to the PHCs at Tamei and Tousem, which have remained literally cut-off due to dilapidated road connectivity.

However, save for two, the rest of the doctors appointed there have failed to turn up even four months after their appointment order was issued.

Among the two who have joined duty, one got a stay order after joining while one could not render service due to health compulsion.

Only beds no medical staff at a health centre at Tamei sub-division

Local MLA Z Kikhonbou, DC Tamenglong and CMO of the district have repeatedly reminded the authority concerned over the pathetic health service conditions of the two subdivisions.

Besides, various Village Authorities and civil society organisations have closed down the gate of the health centres to register protest against the absence of doctors.

Nevertheless, the Govt is seemingly remaining adamant to the pitiable health service conditions of the two remote subdivisions.

Locals confided to The Sangai Express, when it conducted an independent survey at Tamei subdivisional headquarters following the closure of the PHC gate a couple of days back, that they have suffered untold miseries due to lack of doctors.

They disclosed that many precious lives of the area have been lost.

In June/July this year, the Govt had appointed Dr M Chandrajoy, Dr Wahengbam Ratankumar and Dr Napoleon Huidrom to Tamei PHC.

These doctors failed to report to their new place of posting after they were released from their previous postings.

It has also come to light that their transfer orders have been stayed.

At the same time, Dr K Bipin, Dr G Ramcharan Sharma and Dr M Ibochouba were appointed to Tousem PHC in June/July this year.

Among them, Dr K Bipin has joined for duty.

However, he could not remain at the place due to a foot ailment.

Dr Ramcharan got a stay order on the transfer order after joining.

At present, there is not a single doctor in the two subdivisions.

Peeved at the absence of doctors, locals of the areas under the auspices of Village Authority Chairmen Council (VACC), women's front, students' union and youth clubs closed down the health centres since August this year.

The people also took out a mass rally demanding posting of doctors in the two health centres.

They rued that no response has been forthcoming from the authority concerned even after taking up these measures.

Activities in the health centres came to a grinding halt after the closure of the centres.

No nurses were seen attending the centre.

Besides, periodical immunisation programmes were stalled.

The Sangai Express was a witness to the brute reality of the condition of the people who have been left in the lurch at Tamei PHC.

Achild who was brought to the Centre for medical treatment had to go back after learning that there was no doctor at the Centre.

Locals also recounted that a 30 year old pregnant woman, Ngamlaliu was rushed to 9 Dogra for treatment on Oct 9 last.

As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to Imphal.

Regrettably, she passed away on the way to Imphal on reaching a place near Kangpokpi.

Ch Poujang, Chairman of Tamei Village Authority Chairmen Council said that all concerned should not harbour the anxiety that the UGs would deduct their salary.

"This should not be a worry.

Local leaders would surely take care of that," he said while adding that there are local leaders whom one can confide to of all their misgivings and problems.

In an emotional tone he appealed to the doctors concerned to just come there and render their services to the needy.

It cost around Rs 6000 to charter a taxi to carry a patient from Tamei to Imphal.

The bus fare between Tamei and Imphal is Rs 200.But there are a lot of inconveniences in transporting a patient by bus, Poujang said while appealing all concerned to acknowledge the woes of the people of the areas.