M Rollan Lotha, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission, Government of Nagaland seen with the author Dr O James Kithan during the thanksgiving and book launching programme at Wokha Village Baptist Church on September 10.
Wokha, September 11 (MExN): A book titled ‘Christian Ethical Response to End-of-Life Care’ (an indigenous communitarian health care approach) written by Dr O James Kithan was launched on September 10 at Wokha Village Baptist Church. The book was released by M Rollan Lotha, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission, Government of Nagaland.
Speaking at the thanksgiving and book launching programme, M Rollan Lotha said that the book speaks highly of the Lotha Naga ethical practices in healthcare and urged everyone to read the book for further references and practices in life, a press release stated.
He encouraged people to develop responsibility for every individual in healthcare while lamenting that Nagaland has lapsed in healthcare at the government sector. He also suggested the private and government agencies as well as policy makers to take the book as a reference in transforming healthcare practices in the state as well as globally.
Author Dr Kithan said that the book was based on his doctoral thesis, where he extensively studied on the Lotha Community in practicing care and love towards the ill and their families by extending assistance. He articulated on the Lotha Naga indigenous ethic called ‘Sükhying’ which is a practice or a concept in addressing the EOLC (End of Life Care) among senior people in the Lotha community.
The author stated that the Lotha Nagas have their own moral and ethical values that promote care among individuals and community. However, due to the influence of modern western thought through colonialism and globalization, the connection and attachment of people in their cultural values and principles have been distorted.
He also reviewed the health care system in India in the context of EOLC and mentioned that present healthcare system in India is dominated by the private health care. He also pointed out lapses in terms of proper infrastructure and modern facilities, shortage of medical professionals, misuse of fund, negligence of rural-based healthcare, out stationed of medical staffs and poor services.
Dr O James Kithan is currently serving as the vice principal of Witter Theological College, Vankhosung and he is the second doctorate in theology from Wokha village. He did his doctorate in theology from the University of Serampore Theological College.
The book was dedicated by Rev O Thungben Kikon, pastor Wokha Village Baptist Church, while Dr T Nzanthung Ngullie, Principal of Witter Theological College chaired the programme.
The programme was attended by Dr Chumben Murry, advisor for Law and Justice, YM Humtsoe, Vice President NDPP, well-wishers and family members.
