NIDA members to take mass casual leave from April 12-14

DIMAPUR, APRIL 8 (MExN): The Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) has informed that it will escalate its agitation with its members taking mass casual leave from April 12 to 14. During this period, only emergency services will be available. 

This was stated in a press release from Dr Thorhusie Katiry, Convenor, NIDA Core Committee on Superannuation and Dr E Phyantsuthung, President, NIDA. 

The NIDA began their agitation on January 25 by wearing black armbands in protest against the Nagaland State Government’s failure to enhance the superannuation age of medical doctors in the State. 

It expressed disappointment that the State Cabinet for the third time has deferred to take up the agenda on superannuation age of doctors during its meeting. “It is learnt that, the State Cabinet upon receipt of a representation from Naga Student Federation (NSF), has deferred to take up the agenda during its meeting on April 7, 2021,” the NIDA said. 

“Nagaland is the only State without a Medical College in the Country and if the Government is willing to improve this image, it must make enabling policies. Without such policies, the fraternity should not be blamed in the future,” the association stated. 

The NIDA further informed that if the State Government fails to address the issue, it would be compelled to begin its 3rd phase agitation which would include indefinite cessation of routine works except emergency service across the State from April 15 onwards. 

The NIDA has constantly reiterated that there is a huge shortage of doctors in the State. It further stated that enhancement of the superannuation age of doctors will not adversely affect employment avenues for the unemployed doctors in the State. 

It meanwhile pointed out today that the tenure of senior officers particularly from the rank of Additional Director and above is in terms of few months. “This short duration of stay due to superannuation at senior level disrupts continuity of administrative policies and momentum of development in the department, especially at this COVID-19 situation,” the association added.