Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) conducted its annual conference and general body meeting at Hotel Japfü, Kohima, with various dignitaries addressing critical issues within the medical community.
Special guest Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, stressed unity over tribalism in his address, advocating for local residents’ employment in medical colleges and fair transfers. He urged the doctors to prioritize public service during duty hours and proposed streamlining positions within medical colleges, emphasizing exemplary service to win public support.
Commissioner and secretary of Health and Family Welfare, V. Kezo, highlighted the need for systematic working, super specialty services, and recognized the department’s frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He mentioned substantial allocation of over Rs. 200 crores by the Chief Minister for the health sector.
Principal director of department of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Ritu Thur, outlined NIDA’s goals to improve medical services and education standards.
The association aims to safeguard doctors’ interests, promote unity, and uphold the honor of the medical profession. Dr. Thur also announced the identification of NIDA guest house.
NIDA, currently comprised of 435 members, with 284 male and 151 female doctors, with an objective to address the shortage of trained doctors in Nagaland. Dr. Bernard Amer, in his presidential address, highlighted NIDA’s founding in 2006 and its dedication to unity and healthcare development. He emphasized the shortage of doctors, with a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:4056 compared to the WHO-recommended 1:1000.
NIDA has also been actively advocating for increased medical seats and an extension of the superannuation age of doctors.
The program, blessed by KABA Pastor Arep Tzudir, concluded with a note of thanks by Dr. M Nukshisangla Jamir.
The current NIDA office bearers included Dr. Bernard Amer as president, Dr. Nitovi Shikhu as general secretary, Dr. Rupert Peseyie as vice president, Dr. George Thira as and Dr. M Nukshisangla Jamir as joint secretaries, Dr. Angto Phom as information secretary and Dr. Chibenthung Kithan as treasurer.