Be prepared to serve humanity, Imkong to medical students

Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 11

MINISTER for Health & Family Welfare Imkong L. Imchen said the challenges of the medical profession are many but the young medical students should contemplate on hardships to cherish the triumphs and satisfaction of serving humanity.While expressing that medical profession is a life of social service, he said, “We are all aware of the serious health concerns in our state and the plight of villagers in far flung areas, who depend on better medical services and presence of committed doctors to heal and serve them.”
He was speaking at the inaugural function of 20th general conference of Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA) at Centenary Hall Jotsoma Friday morning.
The Medical Minister also stressed that it is imperative to sensitize medical students on the plights of poverty in our land and the gap between the rich and poor.
The medical profession is a life of social service and you must be examples for others because commitment means a life long journey of service, he said. He stated that the journey of a doctor is never easy and was never meant to be, because doctors are always expected to improvise continuously.
He also expressed that very often, one finds that many doctors lose their vigour and passion for their job, and in a matter of time they find themselves keeping financial goals, way ahead of ethical concerns, which is very discouraging.
He, therefore, called upon the young upcoming doctors to dedicate themselves to help others and struggle for the benefit of others in order to be called a successful doctor.
“As you enter the medical profession it must be understood that you become a public servant and therefore, must be happy to serve our people,” he said adding that tomorrow you will be doctors to heal and serve humanity. But, Imchen said it is important to ask yourselves how dedicated can you be and whether you are willing to serve the society in any part of the state or beyond.
In Nagaland, he regretted that whenever transfer orders are issued in public interest, very few doctor are willing to comply. “We must go beyond our boundaries of conditioned mindset and realize that any party of the state, however remote, consists of our people and that orders to serve in those areas is not punishment posting or discrimination, because the task and role of the doctor is to heal and serve willingly anywhere.
He also encouraged the doctors saying that Naga people have great respect and reverence for doctors everywhere while also expressing hope that the commitment to serve the people and humanity will expand beyond tribe boundaries, especially for the young prospective doctors.
Meanwhile, lamenting that Nagaland suffers from shortage of specialists, the medical minister encouraged the prospective doctors to prepare themselves to go for further studies of post graduation in different specializations, so that Naga people will benefit from their knowledge and specialized care and service.
Further, Imchen also announced that the State would soon be having a Medical College in the state capital. “This long felt need will be a boon to your generation, who can get the opportunity to study medicine within the State, but also plan for further studies in the near future and nurture the commitment of excellence in the medical profession.
The Minister also released the XIth NMSA Magazine “Salveo”. Nagaland Commissioner for Disability, Dr. Atha Vizol and Director H&FW Dr. Neiphi Kire also exhorted the gathering while Nagaland Medical Students’ Association president Emmanuel Patton delivered the presidential address.
Nursing Students of Naga Hospital, Kohima presented the welcome song while Avor entertained the gathering with an instrumental.
Compered by Mhasesal Tetseo & Botoxu Swu, the function commenced with invocation by vice principal of Kohima Science College, Yanger. NMSA secretary Kipito Aowmi tendered the vote of thanks while Kelelo Pradia said the benediction.