A pharmacy in the state capital seen with its shutters down after NIDA called for a 24-hour statewide total shutdown of all medical services on August 26. (Morung Photo)
NIDA-led shutdown call receives unanimous endorsement from medical fraternity
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 26
Most health care facilities in the state were shut on Wednesday in support of the 24-hour statewide shutdown called by the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) to protest the alleged assault of a doctor by police personnel on August 21 night.
Private hospitals were also shut except for emergency medical services.
Various organisations like the Nagaland Private Doctors Association, National Health Mission Employees Association, Nagaland Ayush Doctors Association, Nagaland Pharmacists' Association, Indian Dental Association, Nagaland State Branch and the Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association also suspended their services in solidarity.
NIDA President Dr Ritu Thurr told The Morung Express that the medical fraternity will resume their duties after 6:00 am on August 27.
Wednesday’s shutdown was not a case of enmity towards the government or public, but to register resentment on the assault meted out to one of its members, he underscored.
On behalf of NIDA, Dr Thurr regretted the inconvenience caused to the public.
While no untoward incidents were reported, the Nodal Officer for the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme informed that the daily consolidated update on the state’s COVID-19 status would not be issued on Wednesday.
The official, however, assured that “all necessary measures for those detected positive are in place,” and the consolidated report would be reflected on August 27.
It may be mentioned here that following the alleged assault on Dr Atoka Wotsa, the State Home Department had constituted a three-member inquiry committee headed by Commissioner and Secretary, Neposo Theluo as chairman on August 23 and asked the committee to submit its report within 7 days.
