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The CIHSR team for doing the ‘training need assessment’ of the government doctors of Nagaland toured the districts of Phek, Tuensang, Mokokchung and Longleng during the 6th to 12th March 2011. The team composed of Dr. Tanya Seshadri, Dr. Atsung Aier and Dr, Viu Meru.

The team left on the 7th March at 7:00 am for Phek  through Kohima and Pfutsero. At Pfutsero we interviewed the MO of Porba PHC. Porba which ended with a sumptuous lunch offered by the MOs wife. Porba is 12 kms from Pfutsero. The next station was Chizami PHC where the MO was also interviewed. The next stop was Phek town, the district head quarter of the district by the same name whre we met the rest of the officers who received us well.

On 8th March, we proceeded to Kiphire via Meluri. The stoppage at Jesami of Manipir for breakfast and window shopping was an experience. We were at Kiphire by early afternoon, gathered everyone to be interviewed at the government Rest House. It went well. The next day we arrived at Tuensang via Shamator. Shamator town is an old township of the Yimchunger tribe. Dr. Viu Meru paid a visit to the grave of Dr. Akiuba Mono, his friend who worked tirelessly for his people till his death on the 27.02.2009. At Tuensang, Dr. Thanhoi Lam, The Deputy CMO was waiting at the Rest House with the doctors the team wanted to meet. The next morning we drove to Longkhim CHC to interview the Sr. MO there. We not only got to interview him but also had a hearty breakfast to go by it provided by the kind doctor. We then reached Mokokchung by 1:30pm and met with the doctors at the CMO’s office in the afternoon and ended the day with visit to the District Hospital. The next day, the 11th March 2011 we got up earlier then we were doing to visit Longleng where we interviewed  the doctors, had lunch offered by Dr. Konyak Phom, the Deputy CMO and returned to Dimapur vis Tuli CHC in Mokokchung district.

Dr. Tanya proved herself to be a very keen photographer all the way shooting the beautiful landscapes, the oranges and lemons hanging heavy on the trees, the sunsets, the yellow flowers of National Highway 202, the cherry blossoms, the famous Pfutsero cabbage in bloom, the gleeful children, the interviews in session, the mountain ranges, the shanty dwellings and many others. Have a look at them as attached.

Everywhere  we went we were received very well and all the officers interviewed were extremely positive. Were hosted very well in all the districts with proper accommodation and good food. We got the impression that despite their difficult circumstances and trying working conditions they are doing admirable works and serving the community to the best of their ability. We also had the privilege of visiting the District Hospitals and Health Centers in all the districts we visited and saw the reality in which our colleagues are working. So far we have 9 districts and interviewed 27 district level officers. 7 CHC Senior MOs and 17 PHC MOs. Only Kohima and Mon districts are left to be visited as 14.03.2011.

We have begun with the analysis of the interviews and the results thereof will address important issues for the overall building and other needs of the Government doctors in Nagaland.