NIDA officials during a press conference in Kohima on January 22. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 22
Resenting the Nagaland State Government’s failure to enhance the superannuation age of medical doctors in the State, the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) members in protest have resolved to wear black arm-bands from January 25 onwards.
This was decided during an emergency executive body meeting today, NIDA President, Dr E Phyantsuthung Patton told media persons here in Kohima.
Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement in 2016 to enhance the age of superannuation keeping in view the shortage of doctors in the country, 27 states have implemented the commitment and increased the number of years to 2-7 years. All the North Eastern states have followed suit and Meghalaya is also on the process despite challenges, the association said.
Stating that this has been a long standing issue, the association said it had on August 17, 2016 written to the State Government with regard to the issue. However, the response of the government was not favourable, as informed by the association and till date no outcome has come so far.
“This will be a symbolic protest and in no way disturb the normal healthcare delivery system in the state particularly in view of the Covid-19 vaccination drive,” it further stated.
The situation of the state’s healthcare sector will continue to remain grin if the acute shortage of doctors is left un-rectified, NIDA said. While the total requirement of doctors in the state is 2073, Nagaland faces a shortfall of 1179 doctors, the association informed.
One of the main reasons of acute shortage could be due to lack of a medical college and less number of MBBS seat allocation for the state, it was added.
According to the association, a minimum of 150 doctors per medical college will be required when the colleges are set up in Kohima and Mon, compounding the problem of doctor shortage in Nagaland.
