Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA), which launched its phase-II protest in the form of “mass casual leave” on April 17, has decided to withhold the ongoing agitation on April 21, 2022 in view of the cabinet meeting that was likely to decide on the superannuation age of the government doctors.
In a press release, NIDA said that during the three-day mass casual leave almost all NIDA members (both regular and contractual) voluntarily availed casual leave.
However, it said the district health unit heads (all chief medical officers of the districts and medical superintendents of the district hospitals) were exempted from the purview of the mass casual leave.
Understanding the need for maintaining essential medical services, NIDA said emergency services were kept functional manned by doctors in spite of applying for casual leave.
It said the admitted patients were also being attended to.
In some district hospitals, NIDA said emergency lifesaving surgeries have also been conducted. NIDA has appealed to the general public to extend cooperation and moral support in its strive for the legitimate demand.
The association said it was compelled to take this drastic step as the government failed to fulfil its written assurance of resolving the issue within a “period not exceeding one year” given on April 17, 2021.
NMA urges govt to accept NIDA demand
Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing agitation by the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) and urged the state government to ensure their (NIDA) “genuine demand” was accepted and immediately resume normal health care services.
In a representation to the chief minister, NMA president Abei-ü Meru and joint secretary Malsawmthangi Leyri exuded confidence that the chief minister would ensure policies on good health care was respected and resolve this crisis at the earliest. NMA said that the state was in dire need of good medical colleges, nursing institutes and better health facilities, especially for rural areas. NMA welcomed the stand taken by the Prime Minister to retain the services of doctors and raise superannuation age of doctors across the country.
Further, NMA suggested that the state government immediately create and advertise posts of all categories of health care professionals—doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, lab technicians—to ensure balanced health care and citizens right to good healthcare. NMA also urged the state government to make two Medical Colleges operational at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the mothers also urged doctors in government hospitals and services to be sincere and have moral ethics of giving their best to public health.
CNSA asks govt to maintain ‘status quo’
Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) has unanimously resolved to appeal to the State government to maintain “status quo” on the issue pertaining to the demand of Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) for increasing the superannuation age of government doctors.
This was part of the four-point resolution adopted at the two-day fourth general conference held at Agri-Expo here on April 18 and 19 on the theme “Beyond boundaries”.
The house also strongly reaffirmed its stand to work cohesively towards uplifting Naga society in all matters by upholding the interests of student community.
CNSA also reiterated its stand to demand timely completion of the ongoing construction of Foothill Road without compromising on the quality of work.
Regarding applications received from various indigenous tribal students bodies of Nagaland for affiliation to CNSA, the meet resolved that a proper committee would be constituted to explore the pros and cons in this regard.
The resolution was signed by the resolution committee convener Charles Lotha and members S Bendang Aier and Baeto Shohe.
Meanwhile, a new team of Central Nagaland Students’ Association executives for the 2022-25 tenure will be headed by R Sunep Pongen as president.