Responding to concerns over the shortage of medical officers at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) Mokokchung, the Health & Family Welfare Department has issued a series of orders to address the situation.
In a letter addressed to the Medical Superintendent of IMDH Mokokchung, Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton, outlined the actions taken by the department following a meeting with the District Administration, Department of Health & Family Welfare, and Civil Societies on March 14, 2025.
The department has issued transfer and posting orders for doctors to mitigate the staff shortage. These include:
· Transfer of an Anaesthesia specialist to IMDH Mokokchung.
· Posting of a Medical Officer to DTB & CD Hospital Mokokchung.
· Continuation of clinical services by the Medical Superintendent of IMDH, who is an OBGY specialist, until an alternative arrangement is made.
· Immediate recall of all staff on leave under IMDH Mokokchung to ensure smooth hospital operations.
· Directive to Dr Rongsenneken, Jr Specialist, to report to his place of posting after completing his postgraduate studies in General Surgery.
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In addition, the Health & Family Welfare Department of Nagaland issued a notification regarding the transfer and posting of senior medical officers:
· Dr Kerisunu Sakhrie, Senior Specialist (Anaesthesia) at District Hospital Longleng, has been transferred and posted as SMO, IMDH Mokokchung, against an existing vacancy.
· Dr K Manan Phom, SMO (Anaesthesia) at CHC Yongnyah, has been transferred to DH Longleng to replace Dr. Sakhrie.
The notification, issued by Anoop Khinchi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, states that the transfer and posting orders must be implemented within 15 days from the date of issue.
AKM temporarily suspends agitation
Following these orders, the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has announced that it has “decided to temporarily suspend the ongoing agitation with immediate effect, following careful consideration of the arrangements undertaken by the concerned department.” The organization stated that the decision was “made in good faith, recognizing the efforts undertaken by the department to resolve the matter.”
However, the AKM has strongly urged the department to ensure that the orders are “fulfilled not only in letter but also in action.” The organization emphasized that it “will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the directives and agreed-upon measures to ensure our concerns are fully addressed.”
In addition to addressing the doctor shortage at IMDH Mokokchung, the AKM has called on the Government of Nagaland to “immediately conduct the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Examinations without delay to address the shortage of doctors and other essential personnel in the healthcare sector.” The student body warned that it “will persistently pursue this issue until and unless the NPSC examination is conducted, failing which further necessary actions will be initiated.”
Expressing cautious optimism, the AKM stated, “We hope the department remains committed to fulfilling its assurances, thereby preventing the need for any further agitation. We look forward to constructive dialogue and continued progress on this matter.” The organization also extended “our gratitude towards all Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and well-wishers for their continued support and cooperation in this genuine cause.”
