Imphal: In a significant development for the healthcare sector of the Northeast, Dr. Simpson Sareo, a senior medical officer from the Manipur Medical Council, has been appointed as a part-time member of the National Medical Commission (NMC) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The appointment acknowledges Dr. Sareo’s decades-long contribution to public health, clinical services, and medical education administration, both within Manipur and across India.
A Veteran in Medical Administration and Public Health
Dr. Sareo holds an MBBS from Gauhati University and an MD in Biochemistry from Manipur University. His diverse career spans several key administrative and medical roles, including:
- Head of Biochemistry Unit and Additional Medical Superintendent at JN Hospital, Imphal
- Chief Medical Officer of Senapati district
- Additional Director, Manipur Health Services
He has also served as President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Manipur State Branch and is currently the Vice-President of the Manipur Medical Council. Notably, he also holds a position in the State Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Extensive Training and Policy Exposure
Dr. Sareo’s expertise is bolstered by several prestigious training certifications and fellowships, including:
- Associate Fellowship in Industrial Health (AFIH) from DGFASLI, Ministry of Labour & Employment
- Management and Planning Courses from IISWBM and IIM Calcutta
- Training in food safety and drug quality control from CFTRI, Mysore
These credentials underline his capability in health systems management, industrial health, food and drug regulation, and project implementation.
Role in NMC and Vision Forward
Apart from being a new part-time NMC member, Dr. Sareo is already a member of the NMC’s Medical Advisory Council, where he contributes to national policy discussions around medical education reforms and healthcare delivery models.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Sareo emphasized the urgent need to address rising violence against medical professionals:
“The worst problem that healthcare professionals face today is violence. It is crucial to ensure the safety of on-duty doctors. At the same time, doctors must engage in clear communication with the patients’ families to prevent escalation. I feel privileged to represent Manipur in this apex medical body. I will ensure that the healthcare challenges of the Northeast and tribal communities are raised at the national level.”
A Regional Voice in a National Forum
Dr. Sareo’s appointment is being hailed as a major milestone for Manipur and the Northeast region, ensuring greater representation in India’s highest medical regulatory body. As the NMC undertakes sweeping reforms in medical education and health policy, voices like Dr. Sareo’s are expected to bridge regional healthcare disparities and bring grassroots challenges into national focus.
