ITANAGAR, June 1: The Koloriang, Damin, Parsi-Parlo, Sarli Students’ Union (KDPPSSU) has called on the National Health Mission (NHM) and the health department to immediately post doctors, medical staff, Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), General Nursing Midwifery (GNM), and Nursing Officers (NO) at various health centers in the 21st Koloriang assembly constituency of Kurung Kumey District.
KDPPSSU President Keji Chabok expressed concern over the transfer of around 31 ANMs, GNMs, and 16 Nursing Officers working as contractual employees and contingency staff at Damin, Parsi-Parlo, Sarli, Paniasang, Polosang, and Koloriang circles without providing any replacements. The transfer of numerous regular, contract, and contingency staff is a significant issue in the health sector, which is a priority for the state government. Kurung Kumey is one of the remotest districts, and the withdrawal of medical staff has resulted in immense suffering for patients and local residents who have to travel over 50 to 100 kilometers to reach Chera Talo Hospital in the district headquarters at Koloriang, said the student leader.
The shortage of manpower in the health sector has created severe problems for the general public during medical emergencies. The Koloriang assembly constituency lacks not only nursing staff but also specialized medical officers and specialists in fields such as medicine, gynecology, dental, and surgery. Despite the demands placed by the District Medical Officer (DMO) on various occasions and the efforts made by the local MLA, the shortage of medical officers and other paramedical staff remains unresolved for the past two years.
KDPPSSU is demanding the creation of posts for ANMs, GNMs, and NOs to address the needs of the population in various circles and public health centers within the Koloriang constituency. Additionally, the union is calling for the creation of technical staff positions such as Block Data Manager (BDM), Block Account Manager (BAM), and Block Community Mobilizer (BCM) at the Community Health Center (CHC) and Primary Health Center (PHC) in each block of the constituency.
The union has issued an ultimatum to the NHM, Naharlagun, and recently submitted a reminder. If the health department fails to take action, further steps will be planned in the best interest of the general public’s health. The concerned department and the state government are cautioned to address the demands promptly.
