Lotha bodies oppose transfer of Wokha’s lone psychiatrist, urging the health department to ensure uninterrupted mental healthcare services
DIMAPUR — The Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) and Lotha Students' Union (LSU) have opposed the transfer of the lone psychiatrist at District Hospital Wokha to Community Health Centre (CHC) Bhandari, citing concerns over the continuity of mental healthcare services in the district.
In a representation submitted to the commissioner and secretary of Health and Family Welfare, the two organisations expressed resentment over the transfer of Dr. Wothungo L Jami, Junior Specialist (Psychiatry), following the department’s notification dated October 21.
The LYH stated that no reliever had been posted to replace Dr. Jami, raising concerns over the availability of psychiatric services at the district hospital.
Highlighting the growing mental health challenges in Wokha, including depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse and drug addiction, particularly among youth, the hoho said the psychiatry department had become an essential service.
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It also stated that many patients from remote villages depended on District Hospital Wokha for treatment and counselling.
Citing public interest and the welfare of youth, the LYH urged the department to immediately revoke the transfer order or keep it in abeyance until a suitable psychiatrist or reliever was posted at the hospital.
The organisation warned that transferring the district’s lone psychiatrist without a replacement could seriously affect mental health services and place additional hardships on patients seeking specialised care.