Lotha bodies seek reversal of psychiatrist’s transfer in Wokha
The Ao Senden has resolved to continue its indefinite lockdown of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) office in Mokokchung for a third day on October 23, citing the lack of a positive response from the Department of Health and Family Welfare to its demands.
Despite a fresh transfer and posting order issued by the department on Wednesday, the Ao Senden said its demands, raised in an ultimatum issued 30 days ago, remained unmet.
The demands include posting a replacement radiologist and a dermatologist at the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), shifting hospital services to the newly constructed Block A, and reverting doctors and nurses attached to other offices to their original postings within 30 days.
READ | Radiologist posting and delayed shift to new hospital block remain at the centre of the standoff
Meanwhile, in Wokha district, the Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) and the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) have opposed the transfer of the lone psychiatrist at District Hospital Wokha to Community Health Centre (CHC) Bhandari, citing concerns over the continuity of mental healthcare services.
In a representation submitted to the Commissioner and Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, the two organisations expressed resentment over the transfer of Dr Wothungo L Jami, Junior Specialist (Psychiatry), through a department notification dated October 21.
The LYH stated that no reliever had been posted in Dr Jami’s place, raising concerns over the availability of psychiatric services at the district hospital.
Highlighting mental health challenges in Wokha, including depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse and drug addiction, particularly among youth, the hoho said psychiatric care had become an essential service. It added that patients from remote villages depended on District Hospital Wokha for treatment and counselling.
Citing public interest and the welfare of youth, the LYH urged the department to revoke the transfer order or keep it in abeyance until a suitable psychiatrist or reliever was posted at the hospital.
The organisation warned that transferring the district’s lone psychiatrist without a replacement could seriously disrupt mental healthcare services and add to the difficulties faced by patients seeking specialised treatment.
