A complete shutdown of all the medical services has been called by the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) through out the state for at least 24 hours from 6 am onwards on Wednesday for protesting against the alleged assault of doctors by police employees.

On Monday, NIDA President Dr Ritu Thurralong with Secretary Dr Ahu Sekhose in a release said that the shutdown is to protest against the alleged police cruelty against the doctors. Though, emergency services will remain functional.

The NIDA officials said that despite the brutal assault done by the police personnel on Dr Nosezol Sezo on 3rd April at Dimapur and Dr Mongshithung on 17th April at Wokha, the Association has abstained from taking any severe action. It should keep in mind first the sacred responsibility of public health being its top priority.

They further said that the alleged brutal assault on Dr Atoka Wotsa was on the night of 21st August by few IRB staffs and this shows that the concerned authority has not yet taken any strict measures for disciplining their employees.

The state Home Department then made a 3-member inquiry committee after the alleged assault. The committee is headed by Commissioner and Secretary, Neposo Theluoalong with Khanrinla Koza, Secretary of Law and Justice and ADC Niuland Rosy Margaret Athrila as the other member. The committee was constituted on 23rd August and is asked to submit their report within 7-days.

In the meantime, NIDA has expressed their full confidence in the government’s assurance to speed up the enquiry procedure within 4 days. The Association has requested the government to implement the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020, which was broadcasted on 22nd April 2020, in the state.

Source: The Indian Express