Superannuation Issue: NIDA refuses to budge

November 1, 2022 79 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 1

Standing firm on its demand for the superannuation of doctors to be fixed at 62 years ‘without any criteria/condition,’ the agitation of the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) entered the fourth day.

Despite the government’s request to call off the agitation, lest it invokes the Nagaland Essential Services (Maintenance) Act 1978 and the Nagaland Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1967, members of NIDA asserted, “The strike is still on and we won’t budge.”

While the government in its press statement on October 30 has informed about a committee being formed headed by the Secretary, Health & Family Welfare to look into the matter, conversely members of NIDA said it was never informed or intimated about the government’s decision of forming a committee.

“It was only through the paper, we came to know of the committee who the government claimed was in the process of initiating its work. The government is taking us for a ride and buying time with excuses,” maintained a senior member.

Further, with the Chief Secretary level meeting that was held on October 29 ending in a deadlock, the NIDA media cell reiterated that it stands firm on its demand and that the agitation would continue.

Consider NIDA demand without further delay: CNTC
Meanwhile, in a press release, the Central Naga Tribal Council (CNTC) urged the State Government to take up the matter as soon as possible and give an acceptable settlement through any means “before the situation gets out of hand.”

The CNTC pointed out that hundreds of people, especially those from low socio-economic backgrounds who cannot afford to go to private hospitals and those who live in villages far away from towns or cities, are facing acute disruption of health services which might lead to untoward incidences. “The government of Nagaland is expected to take this situation seriously and work out an amicable solution with NIDA at the earliest,” it asserted while underscoring that the services rendered by doctors across the state are too precious for those patients who cannot afford or avail a doctor’s consultation at higher centres. “Unless the government solve the issue of NIDA and the hospitals continue to be deprived of doctor’s services, the consequences would be in dire straits and the government have to shoulder the responsibility of any lives lost arising as a result of showing lackadaisical attitude towards the genuine demand of NIDA,” it added.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/superannuation-issue-nida-refuses-to-budge