Enclosed is a press release issued on 4th September 2025 by the Department of Health & Family Welfare on the Special Recruitment Drive for COVID Appointees. The full text of the release is as follows detailing the circumstances under which the appointments were made while also addressing misconceptions and providing an update on the recruitment process:
“THE COLLAPSING HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN NAGALAND DUE TO STALEMATE”
The covid pandemic created a fear psychosis of unprecedented proportions in living memory. Stigmatization of the covid frontline workers was a stark reality at that time- those living in rented houses were asked to vacate by their landlords, entry to colonies were restricted for them, Health care workers were ordered not to go beyond their work places etc. It was under such circumstances that the healthcare workers still kept working. The COVID-19 pandemic put a strain on the healthcare delivery system, creating unprecedented challenges. Healthcare workers faced immense pressure, social discrimination, and restrictions, sacrificing personal comfort and safety. Many healthcare workers risked their lives and faced emotional strain, fearing for themselves and their families.
Some lost their loved ones during the pandemic and even missed the opportunity to pay their last respects because there were either on quarantine or on covid duty. Many a times the Health care workers attended their covid duty not sure whether they would come back alive or be sent back in body bags. This was always at the back of their mind when they performed their duties, when the rest of the citizens were in lock down at home, a privilege no health care worker on duty could afford. Many Health care Workers contracted covid in their line of duty, and some still suffer the consequences of it till today .In addition, the health care worker also faced social discrimination on returning back home to their families from hospitals and quarantine centres.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical shortage of doctors, nurses, technicians, and allied healthcare professionals. Recognizing the urgent realities faced by the Medical Department, the Government of Nagaland created several posts across various categories to meet the exigencies of the crisis.
In response to the overwhelming burden, even retired doctorsdespite being in vulnerable age groupswere called upon to serve, and many answered that call. Interns and clinical MBBS students were also requested to assist, though few responded. While public memory may be short, the severity of that moment must not be forgotten.
It was also observed that many qualified young doctors outside government service chose to remain in the safety of their homes, even as the crisis deepened. In such extraordinary circumstances, those who responded to the government’s call were assured special consideration through the COVID Special Recruitment Drive (SRD). The government’s empathy in offering this special recruitment deserves recognition. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures, and the pandemic was one such momentfor both the government and healthcare professionals.
Ordinary professionals were called to perform extraordinary tasks, risking their lives and sacrificing the comforts of home. They endured a relentless cycle of “COVID duty, quarantine duty,” with little time for their families. Beyond the physical toll, the emotional strain was immense,the fear of never seeing loved ones again if they contracted the virus and succumbed in the line of duty.
Over time, some of those recruited resigned for various reasons, including pursuing further studies. Yet many continued to serve the government and the people, relying on the assurance of special consideration for their extraordinary service during a time of national distress. They were hailed as heroes. If not a legal debt, there remains a moral debt owed to them, one that justified the one-time dispensation of special recruitment.
COVID Recruitment Drive Was Never a Backdoor Appointment
There is a misconception that the COVID recruitment was a backdoor appointment. By definition, backdoor appointments occur when hiring bypasses standard procedures, lacks advertisement, and is influenced by favoritism or nepotism.
In contrast, the COVID Special Recruitment was:
• Approved by the Cabinet
• Publicly advertised
• Conducted with meticulous scrutiny of documents and eligibility
• Interviewed by qualified and competent officers
There was no violation of meritocracy, no lack of transparency, and no political interference. Given the urgency,time constraints and most importantly the COVID restrictions in place then, the usual multi-month process of written exams followed by viva voce was not feasible. Many qualified candidates declined to join, fearing the risks of serving COVID patients.
To maintain essential healthcare services under the Epidemic Act, the government assured special consideration for COVID-recruited personnel. If the government is empowered to ensure essential services, it is also morally bound to provide adequate manpower to sustain those services.
NPSC and the Special Recruitment Drive (SRD)
When the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) expressed its inability to conduct exams with special provisions for the SRD, it referred the recruitment back to the Medical Department. The Department attempted to conduct the SRD, but it was stayedby the Hon’ble High Courts’ interim order on 21-10-2024. Following the Court’s new directive on 01-08-2025, the Department proceeded with the SRD, which was then protested by the Nagaland Medical Students’ Association (NMSA).
It must be clarified that the COVID contractual posts were created specifically to address the urgent shortage of doctors during the pandemic. These posts were not reserved for those still in medical colleges or those who chose not to respond during the crisis. They were meant for those who answered the government’s advertisement and served during the pandemic.
Importantly, the creation of these posts did not and cannot deprive others of employment opportunities through regular NPSC recruitment. Vacancies continue to arise due to retirements.
Out of 511 total cadre strength including the 120 posts created during Covid-19 pandemic, presently there are 303 regular doctors plus 98 Covid-19 appointees and 30 posts are in the process of recruitment through NPSC. Even after regularization of Covid-19 appointees, 80 posts are still vacant for recruitment through NPSC for the aspirants. Since 2016 till 2024, a total of 99 post have been recruited through NPSC. Till 2022, the annual MBBS seats were 65 only. After NIMSR became functional in 2023, it has increased to 150.
A Call for Justice and Compassion
The creation, abolishment, and recruitment of posts are the prerogative of the government. It is also a moral obligation that the government does not forget the COVID warriors who stepped in to fill the manpower gap and sustain healthcare delivery. It is hoped that the laws of the land will extend merciful justice to these COVID warriors, whose futures now hang in uncertainty due to protests from those who did not serve during the crisis. By delaying the appointment process, there are no winners, rather the public continues to suffer losses in terms of non availability of services in many health units across the State.”
( DIPR )