DIMAPUR : Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has assured support for upgrading the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima, into a super-specialty institute and setting up of a Greenfield Medical College on the lines of AIIMS at Naga Ki City in Chümoukedima district.
The assurance was given during a meeting with State Health & Family Welfare minister P. Paiwang Konyak at the Union minister’s official residence in New Delhi on May 27.
The meeting also discussed strengthening healthcare services and infrastructure in the state.
According to deputy director & senior PRO, Nagaland House, the meeting was described as highly positive, with the Union Minister assuring all possible support for proposals aimed at strengthening healthcare services and infrastructure in Nagaland.
Earlier, during the meeting, Paiwang proposed upgradation of NIMSR, Kohima under PMSSY, stating that the state government intended to introduce PG courses as the first batch of MBBS students would complete the course in 2028. He said commencement of PG courses would help bridge shortage of specialist doctors in the state.
The minister also proposed establishment of a Greenfield Medical College on the lines of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Naga Ki City in Chümoukedima district to address gaps in tertiary healthcare, medical education and specialist services in the state.
Paiwang said the proposed AIIMS-like model would cater to healthcare needs of Nagaland and neighbouring states while promoting medical tourism in line with the Government of India’s Act East Policy.
He further requested establishment of a State Cancer Institute under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
Highlighting increasing cancer cases in Nagaland, Paiwang said the institute was crucial for strengthening cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care services.
The minister also urged upgradation of the State Mental Health Institute into a Centre of Excellence under the National Mental Health Programme and sought approval for establishment of a State Allied Health Professional Institute at Kohima.
Further, Paiwang proposed establishment of Accident and Trauma Centres in the remaining 12 districts of Nagaland to ensure equitable and timely emergency healthcare services. He also appealed for continuation of the PM-ABHIM scheme for strengthening public health infrastructure in the state.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
