Sick man carried on makeshift stretcher for treatment
Source: Chronicle News Service

Tamenglong, October 18 2024: Wangtangkhaibou Panmai, a 33-year-old resident of Nallong under Tamei subdivision in Tamenglong district, once again faced health issues, requiring local villagers to transport him on a makeshift bamboo stretcher to Peren district in Nagaland.

This situation is sadly common in Nallong and surrounding areas, where many tragedies have occurred recently.

For instance, on August 15, 2023, Independence Day celebrations were overshadowed as six critically ill patients were similarly carried on bamboo stretchers over long distances in urgent attempts to reach medical facilities.

This region lacks essential medical services, accessible roads, electricity, and internet connectivity.

There is no local health centre; the nearest facilities are in Tamei, and Peren in Nagaland.

The absence of proper healthcare infrastructure has cost numerous lives and poses a continuous threat to villagers' well-being due to the negligence of public leaders and Manipur government.

The villagers have been unable to travel by vehicle since May due to the deplorable road conditions.

Despite repeated appeals to relevant authorities and the state government, their pleas have been ignored.

Local leaders, MLAs, and the health minister have offered no support or solidarity.

Residents of Nallong and the Kuilong area have suffered systematic deprivation of essential services, rights, and basic needs, enduring significant hardships for decades.

The villagers have sought urgent attention from the Directorate of Health Services, local MLAs, and the health minister to address their community's dire conditions.

Authorities must understand that any health crises or fatalities resulting from this negligence will hold them accountable.

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