The Nagaland Congress has expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare in the state, citing critical shortages of medical equipment and healthcare personnel. Addressing reporters on Monday, Meshenlo Kath, Chairperson of the Public Grievances Department, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), highlighted the dire situation in government hospitals, where essential facilities like CT scans and mammograms remain non-functional.
Kath pointed out that major hospitals, including Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK), lack operational CT scan and mammogram machines, forcing patients to either rely on expensive private healthcare or travel long distances for crucial diagnostic tests.
“In districts like Zunheboto, there is no CT scan facility, and patients must travel over 150 km for basic medical scans. This is unacceptable and places an immense financial and emotional burden on the people,” he stated.
Apart from equipment shortages, Nagaland Congress also raised concerns over a serious lack of doctors and medical staff across the state. Kath revealed that 57 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) operate without doctors, leaving rural populations with little to no access to medical care.
He further questioned the state’s healthcare progress compared to its northeastern neighbors.
“Nagaland attained statehood before Manipur and Meghalaya, yet our healthcare system is far worse. If they can improve, why is Nagaland still struggling?” he asked.
The Congress leader urged the state government to prioritize healthcare reforms, ensuring that hospitals are equipped with modern diagnostic tools and that rural health centers have adequate medical staff.
“The government must stop taking healthcare lightly. Immediate action is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of lives due to negligence,” Kath emphasized.
With growing public frustration over the healthcare crisis, political pressure is mounting on the state government to address these systemic failures and provide accessible, affordable, and quality medical care to the people of Nagaland.
