Wokha, September 10 (MTNews): Dr. O. James Kithan’s book, ‘Christian Ethical Response to End-of-Life Care’ (an indigenous communitarian health care approach), was released today at Wokha Village Baptist Church by M. RollanLotha, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission, government of Nagaland.
Speaking about the book, Dr. Kithan stated that it was based on his Doctoral thesis, in which he extensively researched the Lotha Community in exercising care and love for ill people and their families by extending assistance. He articulates on the Lotha Naga indigenous communitarian element, an ethic called Sükhying, a practise or a concept in addressing EOLC (End of Life Care) among senior people in the Lotha community.
The author in his book says that, LothaNagas have their own moral and ethical values that promote care among individuals and communities. However, the connection and attachment of people in their cultural values and principles has been distorted as a result of the influence of modern Western philosophy through colonialism and globalisation.
He also reviewed the health care system in India in the context of EOLC, pointing out that the present healthcare system in India is dominated by private health care, with lapses in having proper infrastructure and modern facilities, a shortage of medical professionals, misuse of funds, neglect of rural-based healthcare, out stationing of medical staffs, and poor services. Meanwhile, he invited people to use his book for their research references.
Kithan is currently serving as the vice principal in Witter Theological College, Vankhosung and is the second Doctorate in theology from Wokha Village. He did his doctorate in theology from the University ofSerampore Theological College.
Speaking at the thanksgiving and book launching programme, M. Rollan Lotha stated that the book speaks highly of Lotha Naga ethical practises in healthcare and recommended everyone to purchase and read the book for additional references and practises in life.
He also encouraged people to take responsibility for each individual in healthcare, while lamenting Nagaland’s government lapses in healthcare system. He urged the congregation, as well as private and government agencies and policymakers, to use the book as a reference in transforming healthcare practises in the state and globally.