Lone PHC hard pressed to meet needs of Tamenglong village
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 09 2025: Equipped with only one doctor and brimming with shortcomings, the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Oinamlong village in Tamenglong district is struggling to address the medical needs of the local people.

Upwards of 7000 Rongmei people live in the village which falls under Tamei Assembly Constituency, nestled between Jiribam and Nungba.

The PHC also serves people from nearby villages such as Sibilong, Kaimai, Nungkao and Phundai.

Speaking to The Sangai Express regarding the shortage of medical staff at the PHC, PG Asing (35), vice president, Oinamlong Segment Welfare Association, said that the Centre, which was established 17 years ago, has only one doctor and three nurses.

After the transfer of the pharmacist, a replacement has not been sent till date.

Though there are two ambulances, there is no driver and so the vehicles remain unused, he added.

A few years ago, there was not even a single doctor at Oinamlong PHC.

After informing the Health Directorate, five doctors were sent, one after the other, and the Centre started functioning smoothly.

Unfortunately, after the eruption of violence more than two years ago, the doctors went away one by one and now there is only one doctor left in the PHC, said PG Asing.

As the PHC lacks medical staff, people face great difficulties during emergency cases such as pregnancies and road accidents.

The patients are usually taken to Jiribam or Nungba CHC which are both roughly 50 kms away.

In other instances, they are taken to Silchar.

On another note, he informed that the PHC was renovated not too long ago and has suitable quarters for the doctors and nurses.

It also has an adequate number of beds for patients.

Moreover, the roads are good as the village is located along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway.

However, it does not have separate male and female toilets.

Though the health centre is obligated to have an Ayush doctor, none have been deputed so far.

There are two sub-centres of the PHC at Nungkao and Keiphundai, which have no doctors.

They are managed by a nurse each.

Asing has urged the relevant authority to depute dedicated medicine, gynae and Ayush doctors at Oinamlong PHC.

He further highlighted the inconveniences faced by the villagers in cases of child birth, recalling that many babies were delivered safely at the PHC in the past.

In serious maternity cases, lives may be lost and travelling to Imphal during emergencies is not feasible, he pointed out.

The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur Oinamlong Range had announced an indefinite bandh along the Imphal-Jiribam Road against the shortage of doctors and nurses at the PHC.

In response, the Tamenglong DC assured to send adequate medical staff within three days, but none have been deputed so far, lamented Asing.

It is worth noting that Oinamlong PHC has received two awards for its commitment to cleanliness.

Back in the day, the PHC began operating without even holding a formal inauguration ceremony in view of the needs of the people.

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