Minister Ozukum calls doctors to be sincere & dedicated
KOHIMA, JULY 1: Nagaland today joined the country in celebrating National Doctor’s Day on the theme “Family Doctor on the Front Line” by honouring 10 best performing doctors under Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB- PMJAY) and also remembering the physicians who lost their lives during COVID-19 pandemic.
National Doctor’s Day is celebrated on July 1 every year as a mark of respect for the renowned medical practitioner, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was also a freedom fighter and an educationist.
Celebrating the occasion in the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare here under the aegis of State Health Agency (AB PM-JAY), the doctors who received citation and cash award include Dr. Imkongsanen, Senior Specialist, District Hospital (DH) Wokha; Dr. C Noksen Sangla, Medical Officer, House of Hope, Tuensang; Dr. Shevosa Vese, Junior Specialist, DH Phek; Dr. Chongya BL, Medical Officer, DH Noklak; Dr. Aman Konyak, Senior Medical Officer, DH Mon; Dr. Imsulemba Jamir, Medical Officer Lemjem Hospital Mokokchung; Dr. L Khyothungo Yanthan, Junior Specialist, DH Longleng; Dr. Zuchamo Patton, MO Naga Hospital Authority Kohima; Dr. Holiba A Anar, MO DH Kiphire and Dr. Shirley T Leivon, Consultant, CIHSR Dimapur.
Nagaland Minister for Public Works Department (Housing & Mechanical) Tongpang Ozukum gracing the occasion as Special Gest handed over the awards to the recipients.
In his address, Minister Ozukum congratulated the best performing doctors and other physicians for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic while also wishing to see them continue with more zeal following the first ever doctors’ award ceremony in the State.
Describing doctors as the personification of God on earth, he said being a doctor is not just an honor but a huge responsibility with no room for error as their mistakes would cost precious lives.
Recalling the trying times during the COVID-19 pandemic, he lauded all the doctors for their selfless service in controlling the pandemic and saving thousands of lives.
The Minister said that AB PM-JAY is one of the biggest schemes of the Government of India with wonderful benefits for the common people and stressed on the need for the scheme to actually benefit the beneficiaries.
Expressing apprehension that AB PM-JAY card holders are charged up to 50-60% cash while undergoing treatment, Ozukum called for proper sensitization on the benefits of the schemes and conduct of comprehensive survey on its implementation on ground.
Meanwhile, the Minister also announced that Nagaland Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme, which is likely to be launched in September, would bring about a robust healthcare system in Nagaland.
Ozukum expressed optimism that with the improved medical infrastructure in the State during the pandemic and the two medical colleges in the offing along with the support of private hospitals and practitioners Nagaland would soon be at par with the other States in health care delivery system.
On the occasion, the Minister further urged all medical practitioners to rededicate themselves to serve the people with sincerity and professionally.
President of Nagaland Medical Council, Dr. Joyce Angami said a doctor’s role has become ever more demanding over the past two years ever since the outbreak of the pandemic.
“A layman cannot fathom the daunting role you have to play, but a layman surely does not forget a doctor who helped him fight his battle”, she said.
At the same time, she urged people to be aware that a doctor deserves to be respected and treated with kindness for the challenges they face every day.
This annual commemoration is dedicated to all doctors for their sacrifices, achievements and contributions while at the same time sensitizing the greater society to acknowledge their role as a doctor in the medical field, a healthcare professional and a front liner relentlessly battling the spread of COVID 19 pandemic, she said.
HFW Secretary Asangla Imti said that AM PM-JAY was launched in 2018 and covers 2.33 lakh households across Nagaland based on the socio-economic and caste census 2011.
Till date, she said Rs 34 crore worth of free treatment has been availed by the beneficiaries in Nagaland.
She said that AB PM-JAY is an initiative of the GoI which aims to accelerate the nation’s progress towards universal health coverage. It provides free hospitalization coverage up to 5 lakh per entitled household per year through a network of public and private hospitals.
Encouraging the doctors to wear the white coat with dignity and pride and with humbleness, she said “always remember that it is an honour and privilege to get to serve the people as a physician.
Principal Director DHFW Dr. K Vikato Kinimi led the gathering in a minute of silence in remembrance of doctors who lost their lives during the pandemic.
(Page News Service)
