Manipur: The Kuki Students’ Organisation is demanding an immediate appointment of a medical officer at the NHPC Leimatak hospital after a student allegedly died because of a doctor shortage at the hospital.
According to KSO Leimatak leaders, one of the students named Letlenchung, who was suffering from fever, was taken to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, Leimatak Primary Health Centre. However, he couldn't be examined because no doctors were available at the centre. KSO Leimatak leaders said that the student was then taken to a nearby pharmacy to get a prescription, and he succumbed to his sickness soon after.
The death of Letlenchung has highlighted a healthcare crisis and doctor shortage in Manipur. Therefore, the KSO leaders have given an ultimatum to NHPC to appoint a medical officer at the NHPC healthcare facility.
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The KSO leaders have also mentioned that the Leimatak hospital doctor shortage has been affecting the students and other people in the area.
During a press conference on Sunday, KSO leader said that the NHPC had earlier failed a 48 hour deadline and was unable to come up with any remedial actions.
The student body has also blamed NHPC for being negligent towards the villagers and school students who live near the project. The NHPC is being accused of the Churachandpur hospital doctor shortage and the lack of basic healthcare.
The KSO alleged that the failure of providing people with basic healthcare at and around the project location amounted to the shortcoming of NHPC to meet its corporate social responsibility, especially towards the people who live on the land that supports the Loktak Power Station.
The student organisation also said that it will not accept any further delays by the NHPC to appoint a medical officer at the Leimatak hospital and to provide other healthcare benefits. They are hoping to solve the issue with an internal dialogue between both organisations.
The KSO has given NHPC a deadline of 24 hrs to arrange a permanent medical officer and to organise a discussion on the issue.
The KSO Lemita Block’s media team has also issued a notice that any disruptions or protests that happen after the 24-hour deadline will be blamed on NHPC and Loktak Power Station.
They sent copies of this warning to the local MLA, the Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner, and the head of NHPC.
(Rh/ARC)