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Dimapur, July 21 (EMN): Joining the bandwagon of different civil societies and organisations in support of Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has questioned the decision of the state government to NIDA’s demand.
NMA president Abei-ü Meru and joint secretary, Malsawmthangi Leyri, in a memorandum to the Nagaland Governor dated July 20, conveyed deep concern on the continuing superannuation issue relating to NIDA and sought immediate intervention of the Governor.
Pointing out that the increase of retirement age of all medical doctors in the country to 65 years as announced by the Prime Minister in May 2016 was due to acute shortage of medical doctors in the country, NMA said almost all states including neighbouring North-eastern states have implemented the raise in the age of retirement of medical doctors accordingly.
NMA said it is therefore ‘shocking’ that the state government continues to put the lives of its citizens at risk by refusing to retain the services of experienced medical doctors as per the PM’s directive; and instead resorting to re-employment which, the association alleged, denies the rights of the medical profession.
“It is important to note that the NIDA has asked only for enhancement of superannuation to 62 years, so the government decision for ‘re-employment’ is not tenable and in serious violation of the directive of the Prime Minister’s announcement,” NMA said.
The association also reasoned that the creation of five new districts in addition to the upcoming two medical colleges at Kohima and Mon will require more manpower of medical doctors.
As such, the state government is expected to create more posts of medical doctors and medical professionals, as well as retain experienced doctors through enhancement of superannuation age, which will help the state meet the shortage of medical doctors, it stated.
Giving an update of NMA’s activities, the memorandum informed that NMA has been an active participant in ensuring better health services and proper implementation of schemes for women in the NRHM like the JSY, JSSK, through various letters, memorandums to authorities, including former Governors of the State and filing public interest litigations for better health care and accountability.
“Through such PILS, many health centres, District Hospitals, CHCs and PHCs have better facilities and services today in different parts of the State. However, the acute shortage of medical doctors is still present in the state as per the Indian Health Standard (IHS),” NMA said.
Extending full support of the “rights of the NIDA,” NMA hoped that the Governor will immediately “review the tense situation and ensure justice and implementation of the Prime Minister’s announcement in the truest spirit in Nagaland.”