Want of infrastructure, manpower in school, hospital
MHRC takes up suo moto case
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 23 2022:
The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has taken up a suo moto case against 18 officials of the State Government on lack of infrastructure and manpower in Government school and acute shortage of doctors and paramedics at district hospital, Ukhrul.
According to sources, the suo moto case is being taken up against Additional Chief Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Director of Health Service; Project Director of Manipur State Aids Control Society, Medical Officers - Dr Moirangthem Rojita, Dr Laishram Devabrata, Dr Pratap Singh Moirangthem.
Dr Chingtham Deepika Devi, Dr Diana Irengbam, Dr Chingkham Somila, Dr Ayekpam Richarson Singh.
Dr Meikinlung Kamei, Dr Yengkhom Upen Singh; PHW/staff nurses - Ng Tondon Devi, Okram Kamala Devi, L Ibemcha Chanu, Thongam Dilabati Devi, H Sangeeta Chanu and Irungbam Hemabati Devi on the basis of a report prepared and filed by the Registry of the MHRC.
As per the source, the commission held a discussion with representatives of NGOs, human rights defenders and child right activists at the conference hall of Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul on July 19 last during which tH participants raised several issues including lack of infrastructure and manpower in Government schools and acute shortage of doctors and paramedics at district hospital, Ukhrul.
The participants claimed that a large number of children separated from their parents and guardians for education and promises of jobs have fallen victims to child trafficking and substance abuse.
The MHRC noted that several Government employees such as Medical Officers and other staff are not joining their respective place of posting despite having transferred.
The commission also listed the names of some officials and staff nurses who allegedly didn't report for duty viz; Dr Moirangthem Rojita ; Dr Laishram Devabrata ; Dr Pratap Singh Moirangthem ; Dr Chingtham Deepika Devi, Dr Diana Irengbam; Dr Ayekpam Richardson Singh, Dr Meikinlung Kamei, Dr Yengkhom Upen Singh, Ng Tondon Devi, Okram Kamala Devi, L Ibemcha Chanu, Thongam Dilabati Devi, H Sangeeta Chanu and Irungbam Hemabati Devi.
Continuing that the non-joining by the Medical Officers named above at their respective place of posting is a human rights violation by omission, the MHRC asked the Additional Chief Secretary, (Health & Family Welfare) and the Director of Health Services to respond within two weeks.
The commission also asked other respondents - Medical Officers and PHW/staff nurses to submit their responses as required under Section 16 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.The commission warned of taking up coercive measures under Section 14 (a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 if the directions are not heeded.
The MHRC further stated that several organizations who interacted with them requested for a timely recommendation for availability of ART at nearest PHCs and doorstep delivery of the same as reportedly promised by Chief Minister N Biren Singh on World AIDS Day observation in December, 2021.The MHRC also enquired about the availability of ART and OST medicines and observed that there are 1280 patients (approx) in Ukhrul and Kamjong who are undergoing ART treatment.
Claiming that there, however, is shortage of staff at ART centre located at Ukhrul, the MHRC continued that many patients who are undergoing ART treatment from far flung villages have not visited the district hospital due to transportation, financial and other issues and it may lead to further infections.
As per the MHRC, several organizations requested for a timely recommendation to ensure availability of ART at nearest PHCs and doorstep delivery of the same.
Saying that the commission has investigated the latest stock records and consignment of medicines at district hospital, the MHRC observed that medicines namely Dolutegravir Tablets 50 mg' and Abacavir Sulphate and Lamivudine Dispersible Tablets 60 mg/30 mg for HIV infected patients were found to be expired.
The MHRC also noted that the OST centre located at District Hospital, Ukhrul is covering as many as 424 active clients and the number of drug dependents is also increasing.
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