IMPHAL, October 19: The Public Health Centre, PHC of Tamei under Tamenglong District, which had remained locked since three months back was re-opened yesterday by the director of Health Services, government of Manipur.
Dr Okram Ibomcha, director of Health Services, who himself went to the PHC; assured the villagers of Tamei that five doctors will be available at the PHC within a week`™s time.
He clarified that the genuine demands of the village were not fulfilled, citing reason that the post of the director Health was lying vacant for about five months. He said that he has been appointed as a director on October 9 recently, and from now on, the grievances of the people of Tamei will be looked into.
In the occasion, an ultrasound machine for diagnosis was installed in the PHC. An ambulance was also provided so that it will help in providing emergency care, and also help in transporting patients to Imphal in the time of need.
Dr Ibomcha also told the people who were present to contact him directly, if any negligence is found on the part of the doctors posted in the PHC, and befitting action will be taken accordingly. At the same time he also sought cooperation from the people to the staff of the PHC for smooth functioning.
Meanwhile, Abonmei, secretary of Village Authority Chairmen Council expressed gratitude to the director for his intervention. He further maintained that Tamei, which is 150 Km far from Imphal, its roads are in deplorable condition, before adding that unavailability of medical facilities have added more woes to the people.
Abomei pointed out that Tamei PHC, which was established in 1971 covers 49 villages of Tamei sub-division. He cautioned that if the assurances given by the director fail to translate into action, then the government will face more intense agitation from the people.
MLA of Tamei, Z Kikhonbou Newmai, who is also the vice-chairman of Hill area committee, said that he was satisfied with the hard work of the new director.
It may be mentioned that the lone PHC of Tamei was lying defunct since the last four months. Several memorandums have already been submitted to the concerned authorities seeking their intervention. Peeved over the inaction from the government, people of Tamei region had started various forms of agitations. The agitation had intensified following the death of a pregnant woman on her way to hospital in Imphal.