The Naga Peoples Front has hit hit out at the Government of Nagaland for its failure to pay salaries on time to newly appointed doctors despite doctors putting in long hours and risking their own lives to treat Covid-19 patients.
The party told the Govt to “to step down with grace” if they are incapable to handle the situation.
According to reports, the State Government is not paying on time the salaries of 94 newly recruited medical officers (MOs) and 14 junior specialists appointed in December 2020 to bolster the manpower shortage in the State Health Department.
Reportedly the newly recruited MOs received their salaries for the first time only in April 2021 and continue to be denied further payments till date.
In a press release, the NPF Legislature Party said, “If doctors and nurses cannot be paid on time even after all the sacrifices and hard work they put in, what moral authority does this Government have to be still running the affairs of the State?”
NPFLP Spokesperson Imkong L Imchen also highlighted that while Medical Officers are being appointed in huge numbers some hospitals still do not have any doctors posted. “So for what cause and purposes are these appointments made? Are these doctors not appointed to utilize their services in the State of Nagaland?” he asked.
Stating that there is no doctor in Shamator and Tening hospitals, both of which falls under the constituencies of ruling NDPP MLAs, he asked, “If hospitals run in the absence of doctors and other medical personnel, what hope can the people have in their fight against COVID? The apathy of PDA Government for the general welfare and well-being of the people of Nagaland is glaring case of a failed state”, he added.
PD, Health Dept’s response:
Principal Director, H&FW, Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao also informed that salary bills for April and May 2021 are already prepared and will be released by the 1st week of June 2021, along with the rest of the employees.