Nothing to ridicule about

• Sir-This is in response to the news items ‘Angami bodies to move govt on Naga hospital decision’ carried in your news daily dated August 2. The report seemed to be based on a supposed meeting of the Angami Public Organization (APO) or Angami Bodies held on August 1 that took the decision to ‘revoke’ the Naga Hospital Authority Act which was passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

While I am nobody to speak for or against any Organization or Body, I would like to share a fact which I know. Yes, the State Government’s allotment for 2005-2006 of Rs. 25 lakhs for the proposed District Civil Hospital, Kohima is meager but surely not a thing to ridicule. As far as I know the total projected sum for this District Civil Hospital is Rs. 1.50 crore. This of course is still too less considering the multifarious needs of such a hospital. And I am sure more allotments for expansions, staff quarters will come in due course of time. I understand that a site for this hospital has already been selected in Kohima. I believe it is a good beginning which needs to be appreciated. 

I learnt that the demand of the Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK) is that the yearly fund allotted for the pre-upgradation i.e., The Naga Hospital Kohima be continued till such time when the NHAK could stand firmly on its own feet and the proposed District Civil Hospital is in operation. I am told that this is also the request of the APO submitted to the Government. I am sure the State Government would agree to this for the sake of the people of the District. Rather the State Government cannot afford to disagree because to do so would be murderous. 

I feel that we should not complain when we are getting two prestigious hospitals at one go. Firstly, the District Civil Hospital and secondly the NHAK with referral status. I heard that the NHAK has its own “post birth pangs” which is peculiar to Doctors. But I know our own highly qualified, dedicated and energetic Doctors can get over it in no time.

K. K. Peseyie
Bayavü Hill Kohima