Correspondent
Kohima, March 7
Minister for Health and Family Welfare Imkong L Imchen today called upon doctors to be dedicated in the service of the patients by accepting to remain in the places of posting, including the interior areas.Addressing the general body meeting of Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) as the chief invitee at Capital Convention Centre here today, Imchen said being doctors and members of NIDA they should uphold the motto of the Association “Service to Humanity”.
Lamenting that many doctors do not want to go to the interior place of posting, he said many district hospitals in the State are left without doctors as they do not want to be posted beyond Kohima and Dimapur.
He, therefore, requested the in-service doctors to accept the transfers and postings as their responsibility and privilege to serve the needy patients.
The minister also directed the doctors to wear their white uniforms, saying that the pain of a patient is healed to some extent on seeing the doctor coming for check up in uniform.
“Doctors should wear their uniforms while on duty before any action is initiated against them,” he cautioned.
Further, Imchen also maintained that patients in government hospitals should not be allowed to bring their beddings and clothing but the hospital authorities should provide quality clothes and also maintain cleanliness.
The minister while regretting that the in-service doctors are availing ‘Non Practicing Allowance’ despite practicing in their private clinics, called upon them to sincerely follow the service rules and uphold Medical Ethics and Practice.
On the establishment of Nagaland Medical College and Tertiary Cancer Care Centre which will be attached with the Kohima District Hospital, he asserted that since the funds amounting to Rs 189 crore for the NMC and Rs 45 crore for the TCCC have already been sanctioned, the required infrastructure of the would be set up will be completed very soon and institutes made functional. The NMC, he said, would help in overcoming the problem of acute shortage of doctors in the State.
The minister further appealed to the in-service doctors to join hands with the government in making the H&FW department healthier in order to deliver better health care services to the people of the Nagaland.
Meanwhile, he revealed that the State Cabinet during its recent sitting has already approved the Nagaland Medical Council Act and Paramedical Act, which would now tabled before the State Assembly in the upcoming session.
Principal Director Dr Neiphi Kire and Parliamentary Secretary Law & Justice, Land Revenue and Labour & Employment, Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire also exhorted the gathering while NIDA president Dr Puse Liegise delivered the presidential address. NIDA general secretary Dr Zathung tendered the vote of thanks.
Later in the day, Continuing Medical Education (CME) was held on the topics “Status of HIV/AIDS”, “STI and HIV scenario” and “RSBY - Health Insurance Scheme”.
Meanwhile, the NIDA has elected a new team of office bearers with Dr Kedozeto as president, Dr Zathang vice president, Dr Vezokholü general secretary, Dr John Kemp secretary, Dr Mulato Shikhu joint secretary and Dr Obangjungla as treasurer.
