CM-MOT: Bridging healthcare gaps in rural Nagaland

Vishü Rita Krocha 
Kohima | September 29

In another heartfelt testament to the power of medical outreach programs, the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre (CM-MOT) has once again given hope to the rural people living in and around Peren district even as a four-year-old received a significantly delayed treatment on September 27 and is now on his road to recovery. 

Hailing from Tening village under Peren district, four-year-old Aman had been struggling with a severe eye problem that had become a constant source of pain and discomfort for him. His troubles began when his parents got divorced seven months prior. 

Given the boy's eye condition, the father chose to keep the son's younger sister and left Aman under the care of the mother, who took him to live with her parents in Peren. While the situation left the mother heartbroken, she was also determined to find a way to get their son treated. 

Her best efforts to get his son treated was also however marred with numerous challenges coupled with financial struggles. Aman's eye condition worsened over time, causing him immense pain and preventing him from attending school.

As related to The Morung Express by Dr Keneilhoulie Medom, Anesthesiologist & Managing Director, KOHIMAS Hospital, "the family sought medical help in Dimapur, but financial constraints limited their access to proper treatment."

The mother's efforts seemed futile until they heard the news about the CM-MOT Team visiting the Peren district, igniting a newfound hope for Aman. 

"Our team did not have an ophthalmologist, but fate intervened in a remarkable way", Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom remarked even while highlighting that the Peren District Hospital has a full-time ophthalmologist, Dr. Hedungkiebe, who only needed an anesthesiologist to perform a critical surgery. 

The arrival of the CM-MOT Team in Peren bridged this gap. "Dr. Hedungkiebe performed a successful Frill Evisceration surgery (removal of eyeball) on Aman, removing the infected eyeball while keeping the sclera intact", Medom put across. 

As the four-year-old boy, Aman's road to recovery began, he also expressed, "his aunt, who accompanied him was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. She exclaimed that Aman would finally be able to attend school without the burden of constant pain and watering from his infected eye."

"For the first time in a long while, hope flickered in their lives", he conveyed with profound satisfaction. "The CM-MOT Team is blessed to have made a different in Aman's life", he added while pointing out that this was the first eye surgery the team had performed in Peren. 

Aman's story, he reiterated "is a testament to the power of medical outreach programs and the difference they can make in people's lives." As the four-year-old boy embarks on his journey towards recovery and education, he strongly believes that the CM-MOT team's efforts has given him a new sight and a new hope. 

Over the past several months, the CM-MOT Team's dedication in providing medical care to those in need, especially in the far-flung areas of rural Nagaland, has brought light into the lives of many like Aman's. 

Since its launch on January 26 this year, it has conducted numerous medical camps in 19 different locations spread across 14 districts of Nagaland, giving a renewed hope for better healthcare especially in rural Nagaland. 

In Peren district alone, the Team performed 24 major surgeries, 10 minor surgeries, and around 60 ultrasounds and 26 dental procedures.

In this regard, the people of Peren and surrounding villages have also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio for the noble initiative in bringing healthcare to their doorsteps. 

One of the highlights of the CM-MOT is the coming together of doctors with various specialties from different districts of Nagaland, all for the cause of giving much needed healthcare in the rural areas. 

Mention may be made here that the CM-MOT Team is led by MLA & Senior Surgeon, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso and comprises of doctors with various specialties, including Dr. Keneilhoulie Medom, Anesthesiologist & Managing Director of KOHIMAS Hospital, Kohima, Dr. Moa Temjen, General Surgeon and Senior Resident at NIMSR, Dr. Lanu Meren Mollier, Dental Surgeon, Dr. Wemeri, Anesthesiologist & Senior Consultant, Phek, and Dr. Mhashevisu Sothu, Senior Specialist, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). Dr. Tunda, Private Practitioner at Jalukie town also helped the team in Peren. 

Towards this end, the CM-MOT Team further extended its appreciation to the staff of Peren District Hospital and the District Administration for all the support and hospitality shown to the Team during their visit.