Doctors-population ratio in Nagaland stands at 1: 4056 against WHO recommendation of 1: 1000: Dr Sukhato

Urges NIDA to be the platform for DoH&FW’s progress & development
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 23: MLA Dr Sukhato A Sema today said health care is a basic human right for every individual and all societies deserve understanding the importance of health in the process of economic and social development and improving quality of life for its citizens.

Speaking at the Annual Conference-cum-General Body meeting of Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) at Niathu Resort, Dr Sukhato said the Department of Health & Family Welfare, for the past several years, since its inception has been endeavouring to provide comprehensive health care in the State.

However, he expressed concern over the doctor-population ratio in Nagaland, which is not as per the recommendation of World Health Organization (WHO) or the India Public Health recommendation.

He disclosed that the doctors to population ratio in Nagaland currently stands at the staggering ratio of 1: 4056 against the WHO recommendation of 1: 1000 or the India public health recommendation in the ratio of 1: 2500.

Citing 2011 census where the population of Nagaland was 1979000, he said if the doctor-population ratio is worked out, then doctors should have been 1979, with the doctor to population ratio 1: 1979 against the present ratio of 1:4056.

He further said in the Government set up in Nagaland, the total number of doctors is roughly 396 and if other parameters like the NHM, NSACS is taken into consideration, then it comes to about 435. He cited the example of Arunachal Pradesh, where the doctor to population ratio is 1: 2417, almost matching the India public health recommendation.

He also said in every 100-bedd hospitals, there should be minimum 29 doctors. In Nagaland, there is 81 general hospitals ~ 64 public and 17 private.

Dr Sukhato called upon NIDA to work out the needs of the public in terms of hospitals, manpower ~ doctors, nurses, paramedical workers meticulously and factually including the upgrading the service rules to be like IAS, IPS, NCS, etc. and scale of pay bands so that the Principal Director be in the eligible category of applying to the post of important public undertakings like NPSC, etc. after retirement from service.

He also said NIDA should request the Government to provide basic amenities like quarters for medical officers, nursing staff, other paramedical staff including the quarters in the capital for senior officers.

Giving a classification of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare pay structure-wise, he said NIDA should be the right platform to take up for the progress and development of all classification of the department.

He also stressed on the need for a recruitment policy suggesting a separate NPSC examination for MBBS and Specialist discipline-wise. He cited the example of the recruitment policy of the Director of School Education, where they have separate policy for recruitment of undergraduate teachers, graduate teachers and post graduate teachers.

He said in Medical Department also the Government should hold recruitment of MBBS and also the doors should be open for the Post Graduate/Specialist groups and also be able to convince the Government to hold recruitment for specialist groups in discipline-wise manner.

Stating that the young doctors are no way inferior in their profession, he said NIDA should be the right platform to speak for their absorption.

“If Nagaland Government does not absorb them into the Medical College or into the hospitals, they would get absorbed in other Medical Colleges outside Nagaland and time may come when we will have shortage of manpower in Medical Department”, he said.

He also called for attention for activation of blood donation motivation and urged NIDA that whenever there is a public-private partnership taking place with any company and with organizations, the members should have vigilant eye to see whether that MoU is for the benefit of the patients or something else.

The MLA said NIDA finds itself at a pivotal juncture where unity and collaboration among its members can pave the way for a brighter future.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, NIDA has the potential to secure better facilities, empowerment and recognition for professional healthcare workers and doctors in the State.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Keveduyi, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Dimapur said that the challenges faced by medical professionals are manifold. “From the strain of long hours to the emotional toll of care giving, our work often demands sacrifices that go unnoticed”, he said adding NIDA serves as a beacon of support for all its members, ensuring that their rights are protected, their voices are heard and their contributions are acknowledged.

He urged every member to actively engage in dialogue on the issues they face, from improving working conditions and salaries to addressing ethical dilemmas and the doctor-patient relationship.

“Together, we can create an environment where every doctor feels valued and empowered”, he added.

In his presidential address, Dr Bernard Amer reminisced about the sacrifices the predecessors have made to keep the Association intact while maneuvering through all obstacles that directly challenge the interest of the Association.

He said as doctors, they often face significant challenges ~ be it resource constraints, long hours, or the emotional toll of care giving and despite these, they should remember that their role as healers is also a privilege..

He also said NID remains committed to supporting its members in every possible way.

On the occasion, the new office bearers of NDA were also announced. Dr Thomas Keppen as been elected as president; Dr K Akaho Sema – vice president; Dr Visietsolie Vüprü -general secretary; Dr Zaiwant Zeliang -Joint Secretary; Dr S Yingnei Konyak – Treasurer; and Dr L Wobemo Lotha – Information & Publicity Secretary.

(Page News Service)