Minister of Health and Family Welfare P. Longon asserted that North Eastern region was lagging far behind in accessing health facilities especially in the rural areas, saying this was a great burden on the state governments. The minister said this while inaugurating the 28th annual conference of NEBAOICON organized by Nagaland State Branch Association of Otolaryngologist (AOI), at State Capital Convention Centre Kohima, Friday evening.
He said organizations like North Eastern Branch of Association of Otolaryngologist of India (NEBAOICON) should enable the professionals to co-ordinate and extend help to one another.
The minister also maintained that such conferences should help in areas of technology sharing, medical and allied health education, capacity building of human resources, low cost and affordable services and wherever possible compassion and free services to the poorest of the society.
Congratulating the founding members of the association, Longon also lauded the Nagaland state branch AOI for hosting the conference for the second time after a gap of almost 23 years.
While stating that medical science was a dynamic field whereby better facilities and access to health care services are being evolved every day, Longon said that in addition, technology has hugely benefitted mankind in areas of surgery, diagnostics and even replacement technology which has facilitated faster intervention and treatment by reducing hospital stay thereby cutting costs as well.
He expressed hope that the presence of all the eminent medical personalities would greatly benefit the doctors in the state. Longon also lauded the surgical procedures performed live at the workshop Friday and described them as highly commendable.
He said such conferences would also enable the NE fraternity of specialists to design health camps in rural areas where the real need was sidelined, in the near future.
NEBAOICON president Dr. Kuddush Ahmed delivered keynote address. Guest faculties including international speakers Padmashree Prof Emeritus Dr. MV Kirtane from Mumbai a pioneer of sinus surgery and ear surgery in India, Prof. Dr. Ashok Shenoy, chairman and director Kidwai memorial institute of Oncology from Bangalore a renowned head a neck cancer surgeon in India would address the three-day programme. Various Award papers will be presented by leading ENT surgeons of North East during the conference.
The minister also released the association’s Souvenir. Organizing chairman NEBAOICON Dr. Kedozeto Punyü welcomed the guest medical professionals from NE and officials of health and family welfare department.