On 3rd March 2014 (Monday), the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio accompanied by a host of dignitaries laid the foundation stone for the first medical college in Nagaland at Phriebagei, Kohima. It was reported that the setting up of the medical college had been approved by the government of India. And what makes this proposed college even more interesting is the fact that a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre (TCCC) is to be attached to the new proposed medical college.
For a long time, the absence of medical and engineering colleges in Nagaland has been felt by many. Since the middle of the last century, many Naga students and parents had been literally fascinated with medical and engineering courses. The fact that almost all brilliant Naga students opted for either medical or engineering course in the bygone decades is a testimony to this phenomenon. Yes, it would not be wrong to say that this was the visible trend amongst the Naga students in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and even as late as the 1990s.
And therefore, since Nagas’ fascination with medical and engineering courses is not a new phenomenon (it is at least 6 decades old), the question naturally arises as to why it took such a long time to establish a medical college here in Nagaland. This question becomes even more acute and poignant when we recollect the fact that Indian currency has been flowing unabated into Nagaland ever since 1963 when Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian union. All this money has been released into Nagaland for carrying out various developmental works as per the needs and requirements of the Nagas. Therefore, since the need for a good and standard medical college here in Nagaland had been there for almost 50 years, why is it that none of the successive state governments ever took any firm commitment to address to this acute need and desire of the people? The absence of a medical college here in Nagaland meant that every Naga students interested in pursuing medical courses had to go outside the state to pursue their dream.
The difficulties and complications associated with going outside the state for pursuing a medical or engineering degree is obvious to one and all. First, the aspiring students have to seat for entrance exam and even if they clear the exam, where they will study their course is not within their control. They will be allotted their seats according to their performance in the entrance examination. Even after confirming their seats, the problems do not stop there. First there are the issues of travel, adaptability in a new environment and payment of admission fees. And after admission comes the hassle for hostel seats. Another stark reality in medical and engineering colleges is the issue of “Ragging”. According to surveys, ‘Ragging’ is most rampant in medical and engineering colleges. Moreover, for the north-east people, the issue of racism is always there wherever they go in India. Besides, for the female students, the problems are even much serious and multifold than their male counterparts as they again have to deal with the issues of sexual abuse / harassment as well. Therefore, the existence of a medical college here in Nagaland will at least go a long way in putting an end to these undesirable elements. But I guess the question why it took more than 50 years for the state of Nagaland to establish its first medical college will always haunt many of us.
As per the information provided by the Chief Minister that day (3rd March), the college would have an intake capacity of 100 MBBS seats out of which 45 seats would be reserved for Nagaland. This means that once the college is in full swing, the college will produce at least 45 Naga doctors every year. Besides, it will also enable 55 medical students from outside Nagaland to become full-fledged doctors and these doctors from Nagaland medical college will probably go on to serve all over the country. Thus this proposed Nagaland medical college (once started) has the potential to become a torch- bearer for the whole of Nagas and Nagaland.
And now, at least a beginning has been made in this direction with the foundation stone being laid for this mega – project. And many individuals as well as groups are already celebrating this endeavor. And in a way, the celebrations are also worthwhile because for many years, many Nagas have been dreaming of a medical college on Naga soils. Thus the fact that the Nagaland government has laid the foundation stone for the first Nagaland Medical College is at least an indication that the dreams and aspirations of many Nagas are going to materialize sooner than latter.
However, in a way, I also feel that these celebrations and feelings of victory that have engulfed us in the recent weeks are a little premature and off-the-mark. I feel so because of two reasons. Firstly, between the stone-laying episode and the actual functioning of an important project / establishment, it always takes some years (at least some 6 – 7 years). Therefore, if we are to go by this phenomenon, the new proposed medical college may actually start functioning only around 2020 or even later. Therefore, in a way, instead of celebrating the laying of the foundation stone, I feel that we should be telling the government to expedite the process and make this proposed medical college start functioning as early as possible. What’s the point of celebrating so early? Just because the foundation stone for this mega-project was laid on 3rd March 2014, it certainly does not mean that Nagaland is already the proud owner of a medical college. There are still works to be done, plans and strategies to be charted out and promises and commitments to be kept. So, let us concentrate on these to make our dream a reality.
Secondly, real celebrations come only after results have been achieved. We can say that a medical college has been successful only when it is able to produce some good, qualified and credible doctors. And therefore, even though we are creating lots of commotion celebrating this stone laying ceremony, we still have miles to go to achieve the real and ultimate goal.
Therefore, even though we are celebrating the ‘foundation-stone laying’ for this medical college, let us remind ourselves that the real celebrations should come….or rather would come only after this college becomes operational/functional and goes on to produce the first batch of Naga doctors. Therefore, till such time, let us keep our celebratory moods on hold and within limits…..and concentrate on the works yet to be done…….
