Nagaland's Doctor-Patient Ratio Hits Alarming 1:4056, NIDA Urges Immediate Reforms

Dimapur: Nagaland’s healthcare system is grappling with a critical shortage of doctors, with a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:4,056, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 1:1,000 and India’s benchmark of 1:2,500. This disparity has raised serious concerns about the availability of adequate medical professionals and the quality of healthcare in the state.

During the the annual conference of the Nagaland In-Service Doctors Association (NIDA) held at Naithu Resort, Chümoukedima, on Saturday this issue was highlighted.

Dr Sukhato A Sema a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in his address to the gathering described healthcare as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of economic and social development. Despite efforts by the Department of Health and Family Welfare to improve the healthcare system, challenges persist in delivering equitable and comprehensive healthcare services to the regional people.

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Commenting on this he told TOI that according to the 2011 census, Nagaland's population is 19,79,000 and the strength of doctors in the state should have been 1,979 with the doctor-population ratio of 1:1979 as against the present 1:4056. He also mentioned the number of govt doctors in the state stood at 390 in 2022 while calling for a separate recruitment policy for doctors in the state.

During his address, Dr Sukhato noted Nagaland lags behind neighbouring states such as Arunachal Pradesh, which boasts a significantly better doctor-population ratio of 1:2,417. He called for a more equitable distribution of medical personnel, especially in district hospitals, where the ideal doctor-to-bed ratio should be at least 29 doctors for every 100 beds.

The MLA has called for urgent revisions to the service rules and pay scales for medical professionals to bring them in line with those of other services. He pointed out the growing disparities in salaries, highlighting that doctors, who once earned more than IAS officers, are now falling behind. Dr Sukhato also stressed the need to enhance amenities for healthcare workers, including better accommodations and improved basic facilities.

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As per the recent media report in MT, proposing a separate recruitment policy for the medical sector, akin to that in the Higher Education Department, he urged NIDA to address the needs of MBBS graduates, postgraduates, and specialists. He pointed out the presence of 381 private practitioners in Dimapur, including young specialists, and advocated for their integration into medical colleges and hospitals to curb brain drain.

Dr Sema also stressed the importance of providing legal protections for medical professionals. He pointed out that there needs to be vigilance in public-private partnerships and adherence to ethical practices in the healthcare sector. He urged all medical practitioners to uphold the Hippocratic Oath.

The MLA has during his address also praised Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s commitment to improving healthcare in Nagaland. He expressed optimism that under Rio’s leadership, NIDA would be able to secure better healthcare facilities, greater recognition for medical professionals, and more support for the healthcare sector in Nagaland.