DIMAPUR, JULY 21 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has submitted a memorandum to the Nagaland Governor to review the tense situation regarding the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) demand on the superannuation issue and “ensure justice and implementation of the Prime Minister’s announcement in the truest spirit.”
In the memo, the NMA stated that it stands in “full support of the rights of the NIDA.” It informed that the NMA have been active participants in ensuring better health services and proper implementation of schemes for women in the NRHM like the JSY, JSSK, by the State Government through various letters, memorandums to authorities, including former Governors.”
The NMA said that its members have also filed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) for better health care and accountability through the High Court and Supreme Court. Through such PILs, many health centres, District Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs have better facilities and services today in different parts of the State, the NMA stated. It however pointed out that the acute shortage of Medical Doctors is still present in the State as per the Indian Health Standard (IHS).
“The increase of retirement age of all medical doctors in the country to 65 years, announced by the Prime Minister in May 2016, was due to acute shortage of medical doctors in the country,” the NMA noted. It observed that almost all states including neighbouring Northeast states have implemented the raise in the age of retirement of Medical Doctors.
“Therefore, it is shocking that the State Government continues to put the lives of its citizens at risk by refusing to retain the services of experienced Medical Doctors as per the PM’s directive and instead has resorted to re-employment, which denies the rights of the medical profession,” the NMA stated.
It further said that the creation of 5 new districts in the State will require more manpower of Medical Doctors, besides the 2 Medical Colleges at Kohima and Mon. The State Government is expected to create more posts of Medical Doctors and Medical professionals, as well as retain experienced doctors through enhancement of superannuation age which will help the State meet the shortage of Medical Doctors, it added.
The NMA noted that the NIDA has asked only for enhancement of superannuation to 62 years, adding that the government decision for “re-employment” is not tenable and “in serious violation of the directive of the Prime Minister’s announcement.”
