Nagaland NIDA holds conference on resilient health system

Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) held its Annual Conference and General Body Meeting (AGBM) on October 24 at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, under the theme “Building a Resilient Health System.”
Special invitees for the inaugural session included S. Tainiu, secretary Health & Family Welfare, and Dr. Mereninla Senlem, principal director, DHFW.
Addressing the gathering, Tainiu emphasized the need for a robust, adaptable and people-centered healthcare framework. She highlighted the four core principles of medical ethics—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice—as the foundation of trust between doctors and society.
She urged doctors to uphold empathy and kindness, stating that while technology is important, the human touch remains irreplaceable.
Dr. Mereninla Senlem, in her exhortation, acknowledged the challenges faced by the state’s health system, including resource shortages and disease outbreaks. She commended doctors for their resilience and dedication, and called for renewed purpose, collaboration and compassion within the fraternity.
Earlier, NIDA president Dr. Thomas Keppen led the gathering in paying tribute to late Dr. Imtiwabang Aier, joint director, who passed away on June 28, 2025. A minute of silence was observed in his honour.
In his presidential address, Dr. Keppen stressed that building resilient health systems requires strategic planning and collective action.
He called for urgent recruitment to fill rising vacancies, streamlining of the Medical Education Directorate, and improvement of infrastructure across health facilities.
He reaffirmed NIDA’s commitment to professional integrity and public healthcare excellence.
Dr. Kika Longkumer, joint director DHFW, also spoke on the theme, highlighting the state’s progress in healthcare indicators despite financial constraints.
He noted the rise in non-communicable diseases and malnutrition, and called for systemic reforms and innovation.
During the Secretarial report, NIDA general secretary Dr. Visietsolie Vupru felicitated Dr. Vezokholu Theyo (Retd. Director) and Dr. Hentok Phom (Joint Director) for receiving the Governor’s Award on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day.
He also presented a brief report on NIDA’s activities and ongoing projects.
The conference was chaired by Dr. Zaiwang Zeliang, joint secretary NIDA, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. K. Akaho Sema, vice president NIDA. A special song titled “Heal the World” was presented by College of Nursing, Kohima.
The afternoon “Business Session” was moderated by Dr. Puse Leigise, Dr. Bernard Amer, Dr. Thomas Keppen, Dr. K. Akaho Sema and Dr. Visietsolie Vupru.