Our Correspondent
Kohima, November 27
Minister for Health & Family Welfare P Longon on Thursday said there was still much that needed to be done in the medical administration and establishment of Nagaland. Citing an example of the concerns, the legislator pointed to reluctance of the doctors and nurses in being deployed to rural areas. Another issue that he broached was that medical personnel had even begun to use ‘proxy’ (substitutes or part-time stand-in workers) to undertake their works.
Minister Longon was exhorting members of the Kohima branch of Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI) during the inaugural function of the organization’s chapel hall and guest house at Naga Hospital in Kohima town.Minister Longon urged the gathered health workers to ‘seriously think’ about the issues at hand that are afflicting the state’s medical system today. He expressed serious concern that ‘many doctors and nurses’ were not willing to work in the rural areas ‘in spite of the noble nature of their profession.’ Some have even gone to the extent of keeping ‘proxies’, the minister told the gathering.
“Even if the government provides new buildings and equipments, without health workers, these are meaningless investments,” the minister asserted. Longon said that the issue needs to be addressed without delay. As part of corrective measures, he said that the government of Nagaland will be amending the state service rules to make posting to rural areas compulsory. The system would be rotational.
On the newly-inaugurated chapel hall and guest house, Longon expressed optimism that the facilities offered in the establishment will benefit not only the members of the association but also patients and relatives coming to Naga Hospital Authority of Kohima for treatment. While lauding the TNAI Kohima for undertaking social responsibility by providing amenities to members and the public, the minister called upon them to perform their duties with sincerity and dedication.
“Always keep in mind that you are in a noble profession,” Minister Longon stated. The legislator advised the nursing fraternity, reminding them of the four fundamental responsibilities contained in the international code of ethics adopted by the International Council of Nurses that they should promote health, ‘prevent illness, restore health and alleviate suffering.’
Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare Dr. G Kemp also addressed the gathering. In his brief address during the inaugural program, Dr. G Kemp said that the ‘spiritual aspect’ of treatment and caring for people were an important facet in any society. He expressed hope that the new chapel hall would tend to the spiritual needs of all those who come to use the establishment. He urged the nursing staff to rededicate themselves to their responsibilities as caregivers and caretakers of society’s health.
Delivering the convener’s report, retired Deputy Director of Nursing Kiyasetuonuo Solo also gave and an overview of various activities and monetary details concerning the new health establishment. He said that the chapel hall was a ‘long-felt’ dream of the nursing staff of Naga Hospital Authority of Kohima.
While acknowledging individuals who contributed toward funds for the construction, Solo informed that a sum amounting a little over Rs.26 lakhs was garnered while the total expenditure was Rs.25 lakhs.
President of Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao pronounced the dedication of the new chapel hall.
