Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem expressed serious concern over the recent notification issued by the Health & Family Welfare department (H&FWD) that has effected some changes in the posting of doctors and specialists in the state.
In a press release, MLT president Imkummeren Jamir and general secretary Taliakum Pongen said that MTLT was aware of the government’s prerogative to effect transfer and posting of the different government officers and employees. However, MTLT said they were totally baffled at the government action of transferring out two much needed gynaecologists from the hospital without any provision for their relieve/replacement.
In this regard, MTLT has strongly urged upon the department to take immediate steps to deploy the required gynaecologists at the IMDH.
It said that until a replacement is made, the incumbent specialists would not be released from Mokokchung district.
MTLT cautioned that if their just demand was not fulfilled, they would be compelled to take own course of action in a phased manner. In case of any eventualities the department would be held responsible, MLT stated.
MLT said Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital was now deprived of two gynaecologists & obstetrician after the incumbents were transferred out.
Terming it hilarious that the H&FWD brought in a senior specialist for psychiatry to replace a gynaecologist, MTLT questioned the department “whether a psychiatrist could do the work of a gynaecologist and whether a psychiatrist can assist those patients coming with gynae problem or help in child birth and the like”.
MLT said such action was nothing short of being insensitive not only to mother and child but also to the public in general.
As per hospital records, MTLT said gynaecologists have been rendering their services at the hospital tending to more than thousands of patients not only from in and around the district but also from the neighboring districts like Longleng, Zunheboto and Tuensang.
It also pointed out that the sole paediatrician was also transferred out in 2014, and the department was yet to deploy a reliever.
Under such circumstances, MTLT said it wondered whether H&FWD was deliberately showing a step-motherly treatment towards IMDH and the people of Mokokchung and the neighbouring districts.