Kohima: Minister for Health and Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak, emphasized the need for expanding healthcare infrastructure during his visit to Longleng District Hospital on Thursday.
Highlighting the importance of future-proofing healthcare facilities, he urged local communities, particularly the Phom civil societies, to secure larger plots of land for hospital expansions. The minister assured his commitment to the hospital’s development and called for the swift completion of the ongoing construction without any compromises.
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Addressing the shortage of specialist doctors, Konyak shared that the department is planning a two-cadre system (specialized and non-specialized doctors) and assured that recruitment efforts would commence following government approval.
He also acknowledged inefficiencies caused by the unplanned creation and upgrading of health centers over the years, leading to a strain on resources. As a corrective measure, he announced that further upgradations or creations would now be based on necessity, with existing centers subject to review and potential downgrades if deemed redundant.
During his state-wide tour, the minister is conducting on-site verifications and inspections of healthcare facilities, food safety, and pharmacies.
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He expressed concern over the sale of imported food products lacking manufacturing or expiry dates and stated that stricter controls could create more local employment opportunities.
Regarding the issue of formalin-laced fish, Minister Konyak suggested that the state government could ban such imports if necessary and promote local fish farming as an alternative livelihood for youths.
The minister commended the Longleng District Hospital for its effective implementation of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), which he noted was performing better than in other districts.
He also praised the contributions of Dr. Hantok Phom and extended his gratitude to various Phom organizations for their support and commitment to improving healthcare services.
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