Transfers without replacements leaves Mokokchung District Hospital in acute doctor shortage, says Ao Senden

The Ao Senden, on behalf of the residents of Mokokchung District and its neighboring districts, has submitted an urgent representation to the Principal Director, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland addressing the critical shortage of medical personnel at the Dr Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH), Mokokchung.

IMDH, which not only caters to the medical needs of Mokokchung District but also the adjoining districts, is facing an acute shortage of doctors following a recent notification from the Health & Family Welfare Department. The notification, dated July 17, 2024 details the transfer and posting of several key medical and dental officers.

According to the notification:

· Dr Epibeni L Humtsoe, Jr Specialist at IMDH Mokokchung, is being transferred to Wokha without a replacement (Serial No. 45).

· Dr Martula Lemtur, Jr Specialist at IMDH Mokokchung, has been promoted and transferred as DPO (CD-I) Mokokchung, again without a replacement (Serial No. 68).

· Dr Sutsungkokla Imchen, Jr Specialist at IMDH Mokokchung, is transferred to Dimapur, also without a replacement (Serial No. 82).

Stating that even at the present time, the IMDH is short of the required Doctors/Medical Officers, the Ao Senden said, three of them being transferred away from the IMDH without any replacements is detrimental to the people of Mokokchung and the adjoining Districts.

In this regard, the Ao Senden said the above mentioned Medical Officers who are to be transferred out without any replacements will not be allowed by the Ao Senden to leave their present postings without their replacements being posted.

Therefore, the Ao Senden requested the Principal Director of Department of H&FW to look into this matter on top priority and withhold the transfers until necessary replacements are affected.

MT