Kohima, March 31 (MExN): Following the statement of the Nagaland In-service Doctors Association (NIDA) regarding the superannuation age of doctors, the State government on Wednesday issued a clarification stating that the matter is under ‘active consideration’ and to be taken up by the Cabinet.
It further stated that the Association “should have refrained from making such public statements and should withdraw their protest, which does not in any way help in resolving the matter under consideration.”
According to a DIPR report, the matter was considered by the Cabinet in its meeting held on January 14, 2021 wherein it was decided to discuss the matter with NSF by Cabinet Sub-Committee in the first instance.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee has had discussions with NSF and other stakeholders since then, and the matter is under active consideration of the Government at the Cabinet level, it informed.
It further stated that in the 2020-21 financial year, the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic had forced the Government to take stringent measures to check its expenditures, including banning of fresh appointments.
“Detailed facts were placed before the office bearers of NIDA and the need to allow the consultative process to be completed for a robust decision was highlighted in the various meetings that the Chief Minister, the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, the Chief Secretary Nagaland and the Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare has had with the NIDA officials,” it stated.
However, it is noted with regret that NIDA has not taken cognizance of the counsel given and the genuine appeal to withdraw the symbolic protest, it added.
Mentioning various steps taken by the government towards improving the service conditions of doctors, it added that the government is committed to improve the health infrastructure and better service conditions for government medical professionals.
“However, the Government has to examine the matter in all its dimensions through the consultative process, keeping in view the legal and administrative complexities on account of the specific conditions of the state,” it reasoned.
In this regard, the State government was of the view that NIDA, knowing fully of the mentioned facts, should have refrained from making such public statements and that the Association should withdraw their protest.
