Medical department dismayed over state plan allocation
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 7
Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Imkong L. Imchen today stated that there is an acute shortage of doctors in the state. Speaking at the general body meeting of the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) in Kohima, he stressed the need to have a scientific approach of manpower planning.
He informed that during 2010 or 2011, a few doctor posts was created, however, since then; the department has not come across any post creation proposal from the medical department. “After I joined the department also we have not initiated anything,” he said.
He further noted that that the GoI had allocated Rs. 45 crore for a Cancer Hospital and Rs. 189 for a medical college. Nagaland state is also receiving another Rs. 386 crore from World Bank. “Within one year we have brought Rs. 602 crore,” he stated.
Imchen however expressed dismay over the state plan allocation to the department during 2013-14, revealing that 50% of its proposal were cut down and brought down to Rs. 18 crore against the previous year annual plan at Rs. 36 crore. The Minister said that he was embarrassed at the treatment given to the medical department. He stressed on the need to have proper discussions with the finance department so that they clearly understand the position of the department.
Referring to medical college, he said that the faculty has to be properly organized, financial applications need to be addressed and service rule has to be framed, besides the infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Minister also called upon the doctors to wear uniforms while on duty. “Why doctors are hesitant and do not want to wear uniform?” he questioned and called upon the doctors to adhere to their medical ethics. He added that this directive for implementation will come into immediate effect. He also stressed on the need to disallow patients bringing their own clothing to hospitals and asked the medical superintendents to check such practices.
Also speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice, Land Revenue, Labour and Employment, Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire sought the joint effort of all the people, in order to see that the medical college takes shape at the earliest.
Dr. Neiphi Kire, Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, said the department has brought down the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) which indicates the improvement of the socio-economic status of the people and that there was accessibility, availability and effectiveness of the health services. He said that for bringing down the IMR to 18, the Government of Nagaland was awarded Rs. 159 crore, however not a single rupee has been given to the department so far. He informed that, on directions from the Minister, he had spoken to some authority in the finance department and accordingly processed the paper for at least earmarking some fund to the department. However it was not given till now.
Referring to medical college, he said “There should be a schedule for implementing this project. There must be cooperation from the bureaucracy and commitment from the politicians.” The meeting was followed by Continuing Medical Education (CME) on status of HIV/AIDS, STI and HIV scenario and health insurance scheme.
