Fake doctor case exposes serious lapses in Dimapur’s medical system

Published on May 8, 2025

DIMAPUR — A major case of medical impersonation has shaken Dimapur’s healthcare system, exposing serious lapses in oversight and accountability. The accused, Albert P Lotha, allegedly posed as a medical doctor and was able to infiltrate the Dimapur District Hospital and the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), despite not being officially recognised or registered.
According to Dimapur District Hospital authorities, Lotha was never listed in the hospital’s attendance records, payroll, or in-patient and out-patient department records.
Reports revealed that the accused had conducted around 29 post-mortem examinations between 2016 and 2022, which were countersigned by the CMO of Dimapur during that period.

Also read: Lotha Doctors Forum slams Albert P Lotha for fraudulent medical practice

A former CMO, when approached for comment, declined to provide details as an investigation is currently underway but expressed hope that the truth will emerge once the inquiry concludes.
In January this year, the Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) had officially filed a complaint against Albert P Lotha, for practising medicine without a valid registration. It alleged that Lotha was offering medical services in New Market, Dimapur, despite not being listed on the NMC registry.
Investigators are now working to determine how Lotha managed to gain such extensive access to sensitive medical duties within government health institutions without detection.
Per official records, Dimapur CMOs during the period from 2016 to 2020 were: Dr. MA Wati from January 27, 2014, to April 2, 2016; Dr. Vikato Kinimi from April 2, 2016, to October 1, 2019; Dr. T Pangjung Sangtam from October 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020; Dr. Tiasunep Pongener from May 3, 2020, to August 4, 2020; and Dr. Mereninla Senlem from August 6, 2020, to May 10, 2021.