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Seeking services of in-service doctors during off duties no wrong: Dr Sekhose

KOHIMA, JAN 24 (NEPS): Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr V Sekhose is of the opinion that so long the in-service doctors did not disturb or violate their official duties, it hardly matters when they keep providing services to others. He felt that services of most senior doctors who were talented in their areas of specialties were mostly sought after by many and it was difficult for them to refuse their request. “Of course, if they do not attend their office duties and start attending to others, then it is a violation,” the Principal Director told NEPS here today. “But what is wrong, when we utilize their services during their off duty.” Dr Sekhose also pointed out that doctors could not work 24 hours in hospitals except in some emergency cases. “This has to be understood by the people,” he stated. He recalled as to how people used to give high regards to the medical professionals in earlier days. He however regretted on the declining of such treatment to the medical professionals today, while also admitting the lack of professionalism in the doctors and nurses today. “The caring of the patients are lacking today,” he pointed out. Asking medical professionals and nurses to be closer to the patients and their families, the Principal Director said they should bridge the gap between the professionals and patients and their families. Dr Sekhose said Kohima, though capital of the state did not have a District Hospital till today, whereas all the district headquarters had. “So we have been deprived of many funds,” he stated. “This is a very sorry part of the Kohima District.” With regard to the landowners’ problem near Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, the Principal Director disclosed that the Government of Nagaland had already worked out to clear the payment of land compensation. But due to some financial constraint, the State Government had asked the Government of India to provide some fund for payment of compensation to the land owners. “We have already written to the Government of India,” he disclosed. “But so far we haven’t received any response from them.” On the shortage of doctors and nurses in the state, Dr Sekhose said they had limited posts for doctors, besides that doctors were not getting posts due to non-availability of posts. He however disclosed that the medical department had been asking the Government to sanction posts for many years. “As of now, we are only giving contract services to doctors,” he said. “And as and when the Government sanctions the posts, they will be regularized.” Dr Sekhose also informed that the new office complex of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, near New Secretariat Complex side, is yet to be completed. “It is only 10% left to be completed as a final touch,” he added.