Attendees of the ‘CMC Connect’ held at Circuit House, Super Market Dimapur on December 21. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 21
The imperative for guest house for patients from Nagaland seeking treatment at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore was reiterated and affirmed during a ‘CMC Connect’ held here at Circuit House, Super Market Dimapur on December 21.
Organised on behalf of people of Nagaland at CMC Hospital by Nagamese Fellowship Vellore, the meet brought together people from different walks of life, associated with CMC either as patients, students, or as well-wishers.
As Lipoktemshi Jamir, the Chaplain of Nagamese Fellowship Vellore stated, it was time of fellowship and prayer as well as deliberation on various issues, particularly to hear the voices of those from Nagaland who came seeking for specialised treatment at CMC, one of the top-ranked educational, healthcare and research institutes in the country.
The need for a guest house from Nagas was one of the stated agenda of the meet, besides highlighting the chaplain ministry.
Accordingly, the topmost concern of most speakers was the need for a guest house for patients from Nagaland in Vellore, which they underscored, would not only lighten financial burdens, but also provide emotional succour for patients and families seeking health treatment at the reputed institute, located far from home.
Despite the distance, however, CMC has been a preferred healthcare destination for many Nagas and others from North East states seeking long-term treatment or check up over the years.
For instance, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there were “38 inpatients” from Nagaland between April 2020-March 2021, as per CMC record. The pre-pandemic figure of 75,000 patients from NE in 2016-17 including around 2500 from Nagaland underscored its importance.
The CMC Connect meet also featured general sharing on Chaplain Ministry by Nagaland Missionary Movement (NMM) including the journey of with first Chaplain Rev Dr Noksangchila, testimonials of patients, and voices from parents of students studying in Vellore.
In his introduction, Jamir, Chaplain since 2018, gave an overview of the CMC Ministry and how the institute remains a centre of international repute, which among others, offer ample opportunity for medical ministry.
Rev Andrew Semp, Secretary NMM (Hospital Chaplain purpose) giving account of hospital ministry stated that the NMM started the ministry in Vellore with Dr Noksangchila Ao as the first Chaplain in 1980. Till now, 7 people have been appointed to the post at CMC, he added.
Presently, there are five Chaplains under NMM -3 within the state, and two outside –NEIGRIHMS in Shillong and CMC, he said.
We are planning to place chaplain in every district hospitals in Nagaland, Rev Semp added.
The need for a guest house at CMC has been an unfulfilled endeavour of Rev Noksangchila, stated Dr Moa lmsong, sharing his journey with the former chaplain.
To this end, he informed that a fund drive was done in 1998, where a total of Rs 3.40 lakh was collected via sale of coupons, and some other amount via different collections, for a total of Rs 4.50 lakh.
While a plot of land was brought, the construction process is yet to be started for the want of fund.
It needs commitment from every Nagas, Dr Imsong noted.
Rev Lima Sangtam echoed similar sentiments and stated that if need be, the matter should be taken up to Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).
Testimonials and voices
Meanwhile, sharing from personal experiences, Hosheto Achumi, Rtd. Commissioner, Department of Transport, Nagaland; Dr Aomangyang, Rtd. Director, Veterinary Department; and, GB Midland Dimapur, highlighted importance of starting the guest house at the earliest.
Highlighting the ‘unique care’ the CMC offer, Achumi noted that even people from states with good medical facilities come to Vellore seeking treatment.
Even Assam, which has many medical colleges, has built six Assam Bhavan (House) in Vellore, he maintained.
So, people will still go there even if medical colleges open in Nagaland, he added, stressing the need for the guest house.
To this end, he needed that active mobilisation can generate funds for the purpose and called upon the NBCC to take a decision.
Not only a guest house, he also batted for a PRO to look after needs of patients.
Dr Aomangyang, a cancer patient, also highlighted how approaches to treatment are ‘different’ at CMC.
Emphasising that both the founder of the Christian Medical College Vellore, Dr Ida Sophia Scudder as well as the first chaplain Dr Noksangchila were both women, he stated that is now the duty of the man to build the guest house.
Many come borrowing money, and though treatment is relatively lower than others, it is a big burden, therefore, a state guest house is required, Dr Aomangyang further opined.
Khehuto also batted for the same by asking, “If other states can do so, why can’t we?”
Sharing the concerns of parents, Rev Bonny Resu, the former Secretary of Asia Pacific Baptist Federation said the strive for a decent guest house should be supported by all.
Rev Resu also pointed out “the centrality of “diagnosis” in CMC’s treatment strategy and thus requiring additional stay, at times. Other parents including Khezheli X Yeptho and Amongla, Associate Pastor (Women), DABA, also shared similar concerns.
Yeptho in her speech also maintained that initially two seats were reserved for Nagaland at CMC via NBCC and CBCNEI, ‘one seat was cancelled due to some issue.’
In this context, she also appealed the NBCC and other concerned authority to ‘reclaim’ the seat if possible.
Speaking on behalf of CMC Family Dimapur, Dr Chenithung Ezung also expressed concern that presently there are only two Naga doctors at the reputed institute. He further noted that how states like Mizoram has 4-5 seats at both Graduation and Post-Graduation medical studies at the CMC and called for adopting similar strategy.
The speeches were followed by discussion where some future courses of action were recommended regarding the guest house.
The meet decided to form a small group like-minded people under the initiative of the Chaplain Jamir, and meet periodically for discussion.
Once constituted, the group would draft a letter to submit to concerned organisations, department and so.
The group will also approach the NBCC for further course of action.
