A one-day surgical camp under the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre (CM-MOT) initiative was conducted on July 26 at the Dr Motsuo Memorial District Hospital (DMMDH), Wokha. The camp was held at the hospital’s Conference Hall with Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, Government of Nagaland, gracing the programme as the Chief Guest, and Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA, Government of Nagaland, as the Guest of Honour.
Highlighting on the purpose behind the initiative , Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso in his speech explained that while the Ayushman Bharat card and Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) aim to provide healthcare access, many people in rural areas face challenges in availing services due to transportation difficulties and associated expenses. “This is why the concept of taking the hospital to the patients through the Mobile Operation Theatre came up,” he remarked.
He further shared that the CM-MOT programme was officially flagged off by the Governor of Nagaland on January 26, 2025. Commending his dedicated team, Dr Rhutso said, “Our team comprises members from various tribes, and through this, we see a meaningful example—that excellence is not limited to any one tribe. When all tribes come together in unity as Nagas, we can achieve greater things and move forward together.”
Guest of Honour, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe lauded the team led by Dr Rhutso for their commendable work. He acknowledged the significance of bringing surgical healthcare directly to the people’s doorstep and said, “Not only will the people bless you, but so will God.”
Humtsoe also noted that Dr. Tseilhoutuo fondly known as Dr. Ato has become a household name in nearly every home in Wokha. He further remarked, “As an MLA, I may be able to provide resources, but I cannot heal anyone. Dr. Tseilhoutuo, on the other hand, has the ability to heal us both physically and mentally.”
Dr Kenie, the team’s anaesthesiologist, highlighted the scope of the surgeries being performed. “We are conducting almost all types of surgeries except for eye and ear operations, which requires strict sterility,” he noted.
Surgeries performed included those related to abdominal conditions, gallbladder stones, kidney and ureteric stones, womb tumours, and other general cases.
“Our team specialises in laparoscopic or keyhole surgeries, which minimise invasive procedures,” Dr Kenie said. The surgical team comprises Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (laparoscopic surgeon), Dr Moatemjen Ozukum (laparoscopic surgeon), Dr Rovino (surgeon), Dr Kenie (anaesthesiologist), and Lanu (dentist). “We often receive up to 150 dental cases per day,” he added.
So far, the CM-MOT team has performed over 500 surgeries across 17 locations in nine districts. The team had just completed a camp in Tseminyu before arriving in Wokha in the early hours of the morning. Around 20 surgeries, both major and minor, were scheduled for the day in Wokha. The team plans to proceed to Bhandari after a day of rest on Sunday.
Approximately 177 individuals registered for the surgical camp at DMMDH Wokha. The event was attended by hospital staff, district health officials, community leaders, and beneficiaries.
