A few days’ back , 3rd death anniversary of Dr. Kumuni was celebrated.Despite knowing her, thoroughly as a professional colleague, and having cordial relationship, so far so I have not expressed through media, her untimely demise, which was a great loss to medical professionals as well as suffering humanity of Nagaland; I apologise for this. However, I put forth below, my professional relationship as well as our contribution towards medical background of Nagaland.
In 1979, I got posted to Naga hospital, Kohima and for eight years, was looking after the female medical ward. At that time Naga hospital was having three main blocks- A, B, and C. C block had two parts. First part was known as female medical ward and the other part was meant for children. Dr. Tali (Retd. Director, Medical) and Dr. Kumuni, (both were pediatricians), and both were looking after the children ward.
Dr. Kumini, if I am not mistaken joined Naga hospital in 1982-83 as pediatrician, after completing her post-graduation (M.D.) from AIIMS, New Delhi. Professionally she was sound and had basic as well as advanced knowledge about child health. Before her departure to Directorate of Health Services, Nagaland, we were working together for about 6 years. In many occasions, she and Dr. Tali would remain absent due to either personal or official works and would request me to look after children ward. We had very close relationship as professional colleagues and she was all praise for me of looking after female medical ward as well as children ward (sometimes). At that time Dr. V. Sakhrie was Medical Minister and Dr. Dieth-o was medical specialist.
Apart from her professional knowledge and activities as a paediatrician, she was soft-speaking, polite and having a good personality. She was younger than me. At that time I had two children, and she would come to my house and had love and affection for my two children. At that time she was unmarried and later on got married to Dr.John Lotha. She was also an eloquent speaker in medical topics and her service in the Directorate was praise worthy.
I could come to know of her suffering from cancer when I was Medical Superintendent cum Consultant of Zunheboto District Hospital. Our last meeting was in Health Directorate. We had some professional talks about her health condition, and I gave her a few advices to have a longer life. She would have become the principal director if she would have not died. I am paying my tribute. The reminiscence of the past still alive in me and I would conclude- Kumuni- we miss you. May you be along with the Great White Throne.
Dr. B.S.R. Mahapatra
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