Nagaland Medical College two years behind schedule

December 18, 2022 33 Views No Comment

Health Comm & Secy asks contractors, engineers to work on war footing

Morung Express News
Kohima | December 17

Commissioner & Secretary for Health & Family Welfare, Y Kikheto Sema who was recently transferred to the department visited the Nagaland Medical College, Phriebagei, Kohima on December 17, and reminded the contractors that the project is two years behind schedule.

Stating that Nagaland is yet to have a medical college even after 60 years of statehood, Sema asserted, “this medical college is more important than any other assignment for all of us and this is the desire of all Nagas.”

Addressing hosts of department officers, Sema maintained that each of them should hold pride in being associated with the health department, and at the same question themselves as to what each of them can do for this project to see the light of the day.

Referring to a Memorandum of Understanding with the 15th Finance Commissioner where the state had assured to start the college by 2021 if the project is considered, Sema underscored that, “despite the assurance, we are behind schedule for two years.”

While not blaming anyone against the reasons cited by the officials for the delay as land issue, natural calamities, COVID pandemic etc., Sema asserted that there should not be any more reasons for any delay, and that the work should progress on war-footing.

“There should not be any holiday or Sunday, we have to work on war-footing. I will be visiting the medical college on regular basis to monitor the progress of the work,” he added.

He also requested the Engineer to provide a list of all the engineers with details of who is in-charge of which project.

“We need to list out the priorities and proceed with the works accordingly,” stated the new Commissioner & Secretary adding that the works should not be left alone to the engineers or contractors and Director of the medical college.

Pointing out that there are many efficient officers in the department, he suggested that some officers could be assigned to oversee various works and update the concerned people on the progress of the works weekly, if not daily.

While stating his desire to hold a meeting with all the contractors, Sema also questioned a contractor, who was present, the reasons for the delay in the completion of works.

Stating the reasons, the contractor assured his full commitment adding that “we are working day and night, 18 hours a day.” While stating that finishing work is going on, he also requested for some more time.

Meanwhile, Sema also sought the cooperation of all the line departments like the PHED, Power etc to finish the Medical College at the earliest.