Editor,
I fully agree with Dr. Synrang, a young postgraduate student, whose poignant plea between the lines is to let him continue with his cardiology training so that he can get on with his professional career. Unfortunately, the administrative mess in NEIGRIHMS has not only ruined the reputation of this premier institution, it is also threatening to derail the education and aspirations of young doctors.
For the last decade I have been observing the ups and downs of NEIGRIHMS as an insider and outsider. From the vantage point of having been a professor in a medical college for a couple of decades and having many friends among the senior faculty of NEIGRIHMS, it is sad to see an institution of promise being so badly administered. Several years ago I was admitted to the hospital with a heart attack. I was quickly attended to, wheeled into the cardiac cath lab within minutes for an emergency stent placement, and given the best follow-up care that continues to this day.
It was the first time I met Dr. Animesh Mishra. As his patient in the ICU and thereafter, I was impressed with his clinical acumen, empathy, and leadership of the department. From the way he answers my questions, it is evident that his breadth of knowledge and experience also makes him a great teacher. He has set up a cardiology department that is second to none in the country and I refer all my friends with heart problems to him. We are truly fortunate to have this fine department in Shillong.
There are several departments of high quality in NEIGRIHMS. I have taken treatment in the urology department and in orthopedics. Because of the lab tests and other investigations that I have undergone I have a familiarity with the diagnostic departments. We in the Northeast can be proud to have such a hospital in the region.
From many accounts of people I closely know, I corroborate Dr. Synrang’s report. The director of NEIGRIHMS is evidently in need of leadership ability. Many senior faculty and departments are being vindictively victimized. From a lifelong career in medical institutions, we know that good doctors do not necessarily make good administrators. Given the longstanding and ongoing maladministration under this director, I urge him to resign before more damage is done.
Yours etc.,
Glenn C. Kharkongor
Via email
Remembering (L) Ardhendu Chaudhuri
Editor,
The man with a great heart is always respected and loved by everyone. L. Ardhendu Chaudhuri, whose death anniversary it is today, and a great friend of mine was one of such person. I had the pleasure of working with Ardhendu for quite a number of years when he was posted at Tura in 1984. At the time the new Tura office complex was just shifted to Dakopgre and there was no metal road, street light, water supply, bus service, P.H.C. and other basic amenities in the locality. He took the initiative and formed the New Tura Complex Officers and Employees Welfare Association and worked hard in close tandem with other members and the local people. Eventually, all the basic requirements like improvement of road, water supply, city bus service, health centre, etc. were provided within a short time during his tenure at Tura. It is most satisfying and also a great experience for me to be working with a non-tribal officer of his calibre who always remained on his toes to explore something new for the betterment of public life. People of Tura New Complex (Dakopgre) fondly recollect his contributions to the locality till today.
He also took a leading role in popularising cricket and volleyball in Tura. The Tura Cricket Association and Volleyball Associations were formed here mainly due to his efforts when he was in Tura. He did a lot of work for up-gradation of Government Press Office in Tura. The new RCC office building was constructed during his time. It was again after my transfer to Shillong in 1987 that I was able to make regular contact with him and passed our time for some more years with mutual respect and understanding.
He was fond of fruits like litchi and jackfruit which are readily available in Garo Hills during summer season. Whenever I make a trip to Shillong, I bring them along and drop them at his residence at Rilbong before entering my own house at Aerodine. Truly, he was a gentleman of rare breed and character with whom one could share one’s feelings openly without any reservations. On this special occasion, I also remember his wife Grace and his son and pray to God for their well-being.
Yours etc.,
Rozario M. Sangma,
Tura
Whither digitization
Editor,
The digitilization process initiated by the NDA government was to provide quick and efficient service to citizens and to avoid harassment for the common people but the same is not happening in many government and public undertakings in our country. My personal experience with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EFPO) department of Meghalaya have been bitter. I placed my grievances many times with the concerned authority but it is not being addressed. I was enrolled in the EPFO service in 2010 but due to change in my workplace, I had to quit it in May 2016. I was told by the officer from EPFO that I can place my claim only after the completion of two months from the day of my quitting the job. As per instructions, I visited the office two months hence to register my claim but they told me that due to some technical problems I cannot put forward that claim. I was then told to fill some forms, which I did. After a few more months I again visited the EPFO office to enquire about my claims but they informed me that prior to 2012 the entry was done manually and after that it has gone online so the Department is having a tough time to compile the same. Moreover the EPFO office Shillong cannot do the updation on their own if they do not get any notice from the head office. As per the instructions of the officer in EPFO office Shillong , I was told to put forward my claim yet again, which I did in October 2017 but till date I haven’t received the amount due to me. It is very disheartening that I cannot even get my hard earned money at the right time in spite of running from pillar to post. From May 2016 till date my grievances with EPFO office Shillong are still not being addressed. Through this column I request the concerned department and the head office of EPFO to kindly expedite such matters so that the idea of digitalization is not made a mockery of.
Yours etc.,
Anil Singh Roka
Shillong -2