Nagaland: Ex-PAN backs one-time regularisation of COVID-era MOs

Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has expressed concern over the ongoing issue regarding the appointment and regularisation of COVID-era Doctors (Medical Officers).
While affirming its stand on meritocracy, accountability and transparency in governance, Ex-PAN president Joshua Sümi and general secretary Tarie Zeliang stated that the humanitarian sacrifices rendered by doctors, healthcare and other frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be ignored.
It noted that at a time of uncertainty, these frontline workers rendered selfless service, with some even losing their lives. In Nagaland too, the pandemic posed a serious challenge and the healthcare system would have faced collapse had the government not undertaken exigency measures to address the shortfall of doctors and other personnel.
Ex-PAN said many trained doctors and healthcare workers voluntarily responded to the government’s call and rendered services despite risks to themselves and their families. In recognition of their sacrifices, it said the state government decided to grant a one-time special dispensation to regularise the appointment of the Medical Officers.
The association pointed out that the decision was challenged in court, but both the High Court and the Supreme Court upheld the state government’s decision to regularise the appointments. However, Ex-PAN termed it unfortunate that despite the court judgments, the state government has put the appointments on hold due to opposition from certain quarters. While empathising with the concerns raised, Ex-PAN said it stood in support of the one-time special dispensation in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances during the pandemic.
Ex-PAN appealed to organisations and individuals to consider the magnitude of the sacrifices rendered and not object further to the decision in the larger interest of the people. The association also appealed to the state government, the minister in charge and the Cabinet led by the chief minister to stand by their decision, revoke the hold order at the earliest, and facilitate accommodation of all other healthcare and frontline workers appointed during the pandemic.