Focus on Ethical Practice, Compassion, and Prevention Essential for Nagaland’s Growth

Nagaland Medical Council President and Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Puse Liegise has urged medical practitioners across the state to strictly adhere to professional ethics, warning that unethical practices severely erode public trust in healthcare. Speaking at the annual conference and general body meeting of the Nagaland In-Service Doctors’ Association under the theme “Ethical Practice, Compassionate Care,” Dr. Liegise highlighted four major unethical areas of concern requiring immediate rectification: non-compliance with legal guidelines regarding abortion, violations of Non-Practising Allowance regulations, pharmaceutical incentives for brand prescriptions, and monetary commissions for patient referrals. He reminded government doctors drawing NPA that private practice is strictly prohibited, warning that violators face disciplinary action and financial recovery of allowances. Emphasizing core medical tenets, Dr. Liegise called on doctors to uphold patient confidentiality, honor informed consent, avoid causing harm, and ensure equitable treatment, stressing that compassionate care requires protecting patient dignity and building genuine trust beyond mere clinical diagnosis. Attending the conference as a special guest, Nagaland Finance Commissioner Kesonyu Yhome urged NIDA to look beyond service condition negotiations and actively partner with the state government to strengthen public healthcare systems. Yhome encouraged the association to submit evidence-based recommendations identifying critical gaps in staffing, procurement, referrals, and infrastructure alongside practical remedies. He emphasized that healthcare investments should deliver tangible improvements for patients rather than being treated merely as administrative expenses, adding that clinical competence must be paired with empathy, integrity, and preventive care strategies to foster long-term state development and economic productivity.