Photo Courtesy: Image by Gerald Oswald from Pixabay | For representational purpose only
Dimapur, February 12 (MExN): The Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has urged the state government to revoke its order placing on “hold” the regularisation of COVID-era doctors, asserting that the Supreme Court and High Court have already upheld the decision.
In a press release, Ex-PAN President, Joshua Sümi and General Secretary, Tarie Zeliang said that while the association firmly stands for meritocracy, accountability and transparency, the sacrifices of doctors, healthcare and frontline workers during the pandemic cannot be ignored.
“At a time when the world was faced with an uncertain and unknown situation, it was the selfless sacrifices made by these warriors that brought about a semblance of reassurance and comfort to the people. Their sacrifices during these dark times which led to many even losing their lives cannot simply be put aside,” the release stated.
The association noted that Nagaland’s healthcare system would have collapsed during the pandemic had the government not undertaken exigency measures to address the shortfall of medical professionals. Many trained doctors and healthcare workers voluntarily came forward despite the risks to themselves and their families, it said.
In recognition of their service, the state government had decided to grant a one-time special dispensation regularizing the appointment of Medical Officers. The decision was challenged before the High Court and the Supreme Court, but both courts upheld the government’s move, Ex-PAN pointed out.
“However, today, despite the clear judgments of both the courts to uphold the decision, it is most unfortunate that the state government has decided to put these appointments on ‘hold’ due to opposition from certain quarters,” they added.
While empathising with the concerns of those opposing the decision, Ex-PAN said it stands in support of the government’s one-time dispensation. “Let our memories not be so short as to forget that these were the men and women who boldly came forward in the greater interest of humanity when the rest of the world lived in the safe confines of our homes,” it added.
The association appealed to organizations and individuals to understand the magnitude of the sacrifices rendered by these doctors and not to oppose the government’s decision further.
It also urged the state government, the minister concerned, and the cabinet led by the Chief Minister to “stand resolute” and revoke the hold order at the earliest, while also facilitating the process of accommodating all other healthcare and frontline workers appointed during the COVID pandemic.
