Nagaland Medical Council Raises Concerns Over Allopathic Medical Fraternity Issues

The Nagaland Medical Council has raised concerns over several issues affecting the allopathic medical fraternity in the state, including the registration of practitioners, unethical practices, medical negligence, and sexual misconduct by healthcare professionals. The council has been scrutinising the qualifications of practitioners to prevent individuals from masquerading as specialists without recognised additional qualifications. The council has also expressed concern over rising unemployment among qualified doctors in Nagaland, despite a doctor-patient ratio of around 1: 1600, which is comparatively better than many other states.

Key Takeaways:

• The Nagaland Medical Council has expressed concerns over the registration of allopathic medical practitioners in the state, including doctors from outside the state conducting health camps or practising in clinics or hospitals.
• The council has scrutinised the qualifications of practitioners to prevent individuals from masquerading as specialists without recognised additional qualifications, citing the case of Albert P. Lotha of Dimapur Medical Hall as an example.
• Despite clear government directives, many government doctors continue to engage in private practice, neglecting their public duties in rural postings and opting to practice in urban centres.
• The council has alleged that some private hospitals might be employing unqualified individuals and urges the Health Establishment Authority to take necessary action.
• The NMC has registered 1,480 allopathic doctors permitted to practice modern medicine in Nagaland.
• The council has expressed concern over rising unemployment among qualified doctors in Nagaland, despite a doctor-patient ratio of around 1: 1600.
• The NMC has warned against medical negligence, especially due to doctors not being present at their place of posting, and has appealed to the public to report cases of negligence to the council for investigation.
• The council has condemned incidents of sexual misconduct by doctors, labelling such acts as unethical, criminal, and grounds for suspension or cancellation of medical registration.

Statistics:

• 1,480 allopathic doctors are registered with the Nagaland Medical Council to practice modern medicine in the state.
• The doctor-patient ratio in Nagaland is around 1: 1600.
• Over 20 autopsies and post-mortems were allegedly performed by Albert P. Lotha of Dimapur Medical Hall, who was found to be using a senior doctor's registration number.
• The NMC has recorded cases of medical negligence, especially due to absenteeism among doctors.

Sources:

• The Nagaland Medical Council statement following its Executive and Ethical Committee meeting held on July 18.
• The Nagaland Medical Council Act, 2014.
• Nagaland's doctor-patient ratio is around 1: 1600.
• Albert P. Lotha, of Dimapur Medical Hall.