Gives 10-day ultimatum, demands full transparency and CAG Audit
Dimapur, November 10 (MExN): The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DDCC) on November 9 has categorically rejected the press statement issued by the Medical Engineering Wing of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW) as evasive and “unsatisfactory response.”
The DDCC stated that it will have no choice but to proceed with a democratic public demonstration at the District Hospital Dimapur to press for justice and accountability, if the government failed to provide a comprehensive report within a 10 day period.
“While the department's reply attempts to provide technical justifications, it has conspicuously failed to address the core issues with the transparency and documentary proof that the public rightfully deserves,” stated an update received here.
The DDCC stated that the allegations, based on RTI replies and physical verification, stand firm against the department's unsubstantiated claims.
It has called out the department’s mere response of the ongoing projects and rectification of the quality as ‘grossly inadequate’ to the specific instances of poor workmanship, delays, and wastage of public money that DDCC have highlighted.
The DDCC reiterated its demand and has now called for the immediate public disclosure of the complete Detailed Project Report (DPR) regarding the Upgradation of Nursing College at DH Dimapur, the Integrated Public Health Laboratory (IPHL) at DH Dimapur and the Staff Quarters at Kuhuboto PHC, within the 10-day period.
It has strongly questioned on how a building, certified as complete, could be rendered uninhabitable within a few years due to foundational flaws like waterlogging, pointing to a severe failure in both construction and inspection.
The DDCC further demanded the state government to initiate a comprehensive audit of all the completed health infrastructure projects in the districts of Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland.
At the same time, it demanded that the audit must be conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India or by a special team constituted by the Chief Secretary's office at the earliest, stating that this was the only way to restore public confidence and ensure that every rupee of public money is accounted for.
Furthermore, it claimed that the DoHFW's press release completely sidestepped several other critical issues DDCC raised during the press conference on November 6.
The DDCC demanded clear and direct answer to the acute shortage of doctors and nurses across Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts, which was rendering these facilities non-functional and depriving citizens of healthcare.
It further demanded answer on the unresolved 4th Grade job issue, where landowners in Unity village and other areas donated land based on alleged promises of jobs from the department and further added that the department must clarify its official policy and take responsibility for resolving the impasse that has left constructed sub-centres closed and usurped by private individuals.
It has also questioned the department’s claim of ‘unawareness’ over the construction of unauthorized buildings within the Niuland PHC premises and added that the claim was “unacceptable.”
It questioned the discrepancies in medicine procurement, including pricing and the repeated selection of the same vendors, raising serious questions about the tendering process.
Likewise, it also questioned the exorbitant cost of blood tests at the Dimapur District Hospital blood bank, which it stated ‘remains unaffordable for the common citizen.’
It stated that the DDCC will not be placated by vague assurances and added that the people of Nagaland deserve a health department that is accountable, transparent, and effective.
“If the DoHFW fails to provide a comprehensive point-by-point response backed by the demanded documents and a commitment to an independent audit within the 10-day period, the DDCC will have no choice but to proceed with a democratic public demonstration at the District Hospital Dimapur to press for justice and accountability,” stated the press release.
