One may think it a dream or hallucination but the fact is; a reality that is known by thousands of local people. Kiphire District (1255 sq. Kms ) of Nagaland State (India) lies in one of the remote and interior area sharing international boundary with Myanmar in the East having a population of 1,06,136 (as per Census 2001) with agriculture; the main stay of economic for maximum of the inhabitants of Kiphire. The Hospital which states; an institution providing medical and surgical treatment and nursing care for the ill and injured people is the life saving centre irrespective of rich or poor providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. It also conveys a message to patients, visitors, volunteers, vendors, and staff and also communicates a torrent of clues about the medical care being provided there. The hospital need to be clear that conveys welcoming, caring, comfort, and compassion, commitment to patient well-being and safety, where stress is relieved, refuge is provided, respect is reciprocated, competence is symbolized, way-finding is facilitated, and families are accommodated. But the District Hospital Kiphire is in a sorry state for the people of Kiphire and those who need the services. A severe shortage of appointed doctors, staffs and health investigation facilities is endangering patients and forcing patients to go out of the district spending huge amount and buy life-saving medications at huge markups because they can't get them any other way and this is what the reality is all about.
As per the present set-up and facilities of the District Hospital, the Goal, mission and objectives can be amended to as the followings: Register at OPD Counter, Get some first aid, get referral card if lab based investigation is required, get ready with the finance for the expenses which sometimes results to even selling off their land or ancestral lands and residential houses/lands for poor. Despite of this; with strong heart no matter what future holds they continue to do something or the other for treatment.
As per the reliable source; 8 Doctors (fascinatingly 3 Dental doctors) were appointed and posted against DHK including contract but when some young leaders and this writer last visited hospital on 17th October 2011; only the genealogist, ayush and dental doctor were present. Whereas for others; when learnt; were all out of station (except a doctor in reference to the Department’s order No. HFN/DOC/Estt-1/2006 dated 18th October 2006, which has been attached to other hospital for the reason best known to the authority). As human beings, it can’t be understood whom to be blamed. But it would be good and kind; if coordination and consultation is initiated amongst the District Hospital authorities and the concern authorities at the state level to bridge the gaps and understand the reason(s) and problem(s) like every human used to have. It is also learnt that; there is also a need to increase the capacity of nurses; at least to a minimum of 18 to function and implement better services and also a surgical specialist which is very much required.
Interestingly funny but true; called by the name Pochury Doctor ; as most of the patients and inhabitants from nearby and far flung villages couldn’t pronounce or remember his name can be heard in most of the villages. He is none other than Dr. Kuotsutho (Genealogist) who is worth appreciated and acknowledged for his sincerity and services he renders; by most of the people of Kiphire as he is the lone person who can be visited for health consultation almost round the clock since his posted to DHK eight to nine years back.
It’s amazing how a 50 bedded hospital and also the largest health institution in the district functions without important health investigation facilities. Don’t believe? You’ll find an X ray machine kept in a room unused since the day it was put in for the past many years. As per the reliable source, an Auto Analyzer was not functioning due to some technical problem. In fact it is not even a one year old and could not be repaired; as it might have been bought it from an unknown firm / company. Another important picture is lack of Ultra Sound facility; which is out of order since after few months of its installation. Yes! Like the other Districts, Kiphire is also in need of good services and facilities and it should not be compromised. It is understood that the design of health care facilities is governed by many regulations and technical requirements. Atleast these three investigation facilities; if repaired, install other new machines or provide full set of the parts; imagine how the anticipated patients and the people of Kiphire will benefit and acknowledge the institution of the public sector and save the lives of the rural people not only on health but also in the context of socio economic development.
(LITHSA)
Kiphire : Nagaland, lithsa@rediffmail.com