Nagaland Health Minister Paiwang Konyak has acknowledged a shortage of more than 100 doctors in the state. To address this, the Health Department had initiated a Special Recruitment Drive to regularize doctors who were appointed during the pandemic. According to Konyak, this decision was made in recognition of their noble service during a time when “everyone was scared to get out of their houses.”
However, the initiative has faced strong opposition and is now pending a court verdict. The Minister stated that the Special Recruitment Drive would only proceed based on the court’s decision.
The Minister also revealed that despite existing vacancies, the department has delayed recruitment as it plans to introduce a two-cadre system: Specialized and Non-Specialized cadres. “This proposal requires government approval,” he added.
“Our concern is the number of specialists in the state. We will have an adequate number of Medical Officers once MBBS students graduate from the Nagaland Medical College. We have already signed agreements ensuring that they will serve the Nagas. However, our concern is the specialists, as many senior doctors will retire soon,” Konyak explained.
He emphasized that the department’s focus on creating a two-cadre system is one of the reasons for the delay in filling vacancies.
This explanation follows concerns raised by the Ao Senden over the transfer of four doctors from Mokokchung District Hospital.
The Ao Senden has demanded that the vacant positions be filled at the earliest. In response, the Minister requested the Ao Senden to understand the reasons for the delay and sought additional time to address the issue.