Pangnyu vows to fight encroachment

 Warns of stern action against those involved in Dimapur Distt. Hospital land encroachment

Minister of Health and Family Welfare S. Pangnyu Phom hit out strongly against some staff and doctors of the department who have themselves allegedly encroached upon land belonging to the district hospital Dimapur.

The minister came down heavily on those officers while speaking at the inauguration of the computerized registration and billing counter of the district hospital Dimapur Wednesday.

Encroachment within the hospital land has created hurdles for expansion and development of the state’s biggest hospital which caters to patients from across the state including nearby Assam. The minister continued to vent his ire later at the DHD chapel, when he said “There have been so many lapses by few people who have damaged the reputation of the hospital. Some of the staff and even doctors have encroached land belonging to the hospital.”

Warning those guilty of reprisal, the minister for health and family welfare remarked, “I will take corrective measure. Those who are wrong will not be excused.” Categorically pointing out errant doctors and staff, he added, “I will not hesitate to take stern action and get them suspended. I will bring the district administration, police and eviction will be done.” 

Despite his clear displeasure of land encroachment of district hospital, Phom was however satisfied with the services rendered to the public by the district hospital and appealed to all present and the general public to “physically participate in keeping the hospitals, towns and cities of the state clean.”

Lauding the computerization of the registration and billing section of the hospital, he said other government hospitals of the state should follow suit.

Convenor of District Hospital Dimapur Land Protection Committee, Dr K Toska Sumi who also spoke on the occasions informed the gathering that the Medical superintendant of DHD and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) had earlier held a series of meeting to safeguard government properties where it was decided that advocate A Hukavi Zhimomi would pursue cases pertaining to land encroachment of the hospital. 

He further said that the hospital administration had intimated the Commissioner of Nagaland of land encroachment cases and submitted the land certificate and other relevant paper works as per the direction of head of department, directorate of health and family welfare.

Dr K Toska Sumi also said that the hospital has proposed a team of legal advisors to protect the land of the hospital, namely; senior additional advocate general, Kakheto Sema; government leader or public prosecutor from Dimapur; advocate A Hukavi Zhimomi; and legal advisor to health and family welfare department.

Principal director, health and family welfare, Dr Vikeyie Losu who also spoke on the occasion said that it baffled him how hospital lands were the preferred choice of land encroachers. 

Taking serious exception, Dr Vikeyie Losu also proposed a meeting to be held at Kohima with the district medical department and hospital officials along with the state department of health and family welfare.

Medical superintendant, DHD, Dr Kheshito Zhimo, who also chaired the meeting, gave a report of the activities and developments of the hospital from January till September. 

In his address, he called upon the concerned authorities to address the requirement of the hospital, namely; a radiologist; 5 monitors, 3 boyles machines, anaesthesia work station for the anaesthesia department; fully automated biochemistry analyzer for the biochemistry department; power drill, power saw and reamer set, C-arm ( image intensifier television); incinerator; concrete boundary fencing wall; and a new mortuary building.

Earlier in the day, a computerized registration and billing counter adjacent to the hospital was inaugurated by Pangnyu Phom followed by dedicatory prayer by DHD chaplain, Rev Yhunlo Thong and introductory address by Medical superintendant, DHD, Dr Kheshito Zhimo. The vote of thanks was delivered by district CMO, Dr Vikato Kinimi.

 Pangnyu Phom also visited the maternity and prenatal ward before the meeting at the DHD chapel hall.