CM-MOT Team with the doctors serving at Zunheboto District Hospital.
CM-MOT team conducts 128 surgeries in Zunheboto, covers 13 districts since launch
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | August 26
In a testament to the critical role that the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre (CM-MOT) has been playing in the rural healthcare system since its launch on January 26 this year, yet another specialised healthcare service has brought relief to 85-year-old Shavili of Atunakugha village in Zunheboto district, who recently availed much-needed treatment for a serious illness.
With the village lacking even basic healthcare facilities and only a nurse visiting once a month, Shavili’s family managed to take her to the district hospital in Zunheboto when the CM-MOT team visited.
Her family scraped together whatever little money they had, including Rs 3,000 from her husband and Rs 500 from villagers, and hired a local taxi at a cost of Rs 4,500. The additional expenses were borne by her unemployed niece, who accompanied her.
A palliative mastectomy was successfully performed, improving her quality of life and alleviating the pain she had long suffered. Once a small shopkeeper with her husband, Shavili had no children to care for her in old age.
“Despite their hard work, they had no children to care for them,” said Dr Keneilhoulie Medom, Anaesthesiologist & Managing Director, KOHIMAS Hospital, who is part of the CM-MOT team.
Recounting her case, Dr Medom said Shavili noticed a small swelling in her breast and attempted to clean it by poking with a needle to drain pus. “The condition worsened, leaving her with a large, foul-smelling wound that ate away half of her breast,” he said. The patient, he added, was hesitant to seek help due to her shy nature and the disease being at her breast.
“She never told her husband nor her relatives about her problem until four days ago, when her niece noticed blood and pus stains on her shirt along with the foul smell,” Dr Medom narrated.
The intervention of CM-MOT, led by MLA and Senior Surgeon Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, provided the care she desperately needed, bringing relief to her and hope to her family.
Her niece, who has been caring for her, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the CM-MOT team for their kindness and dedication.
“The team’s efforts have given Shavili a chance to live her remaining days with dignity, surrounded by her loved ones,” Dr Medom said, adding that for many patients in rural Nagaland, these services were “a lifeline, offering a chance at healing and dignity in the face of illness and hardship.”
He described Shavili’s story as a testament to the impact of innovative healthcare initiatives and compassionate leadership. The CM-MOT team, he said, was making a difference in the lives of people who might otherwise be left behind due to geographical or financial constraints.The CM-MOT Team further thanked the team at the Zunheboto District Hospital, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Dharam Raj and the district administration, public leaders and also Dr. Bohovi and Dr. Akaho for their hospitality. Mention may be made here that the team has altogether covered 18 places across 13 districts so far since its inception.
Since inception, the team has covered 18 places across 13 districts, conducting 128 surgeries in Zunheboto alone-27 major surgeries, 13 minor surgeries and 88 dental cases.
