A free Medical Health Camp offering check-up, treatment, consultation, and diagnostic services was organised on May 23 at PWD Junction under the initiative of Dr. Tseilhoutuo (Ato) Rhutso, MLA of 9th Kohima Town Assembly Constituency.
The camp provided a wide range of medical services including blood tests, free consultations, ultrasound screening, BP and sugar check-ups, minor OT procedures, and home services for bedridden and elderly patients. Medicines were also distributed free of cost, while specialist doctors from various medical fields attended the camp.
Speaking at the programme, Dr Rhutso said the initiative was part of his commitment to give back to the people for placing their trust in him as an elected representative. He said the health camp, beginning from the PWD Colony, would gradually cover different wards under the constituency.
Highlighting the services provided, he informed that the camp included ENT specialists, dental doctors, general check-ups, blood tests, ultrasound facilities, and minor surgical procedures. He further stated that patients requiring major surgeries would be properly guided for treatment either through NHAK or KOHIMAS hospital, including assistance in obtaining necessary health cards and documents.
Dr Rhutso also acknowledged the contribution of his diverse medical team, comprising doctors, technicians, drivers, and support staff from different tribes. He said the team continues to work together effectively despite coming from varied backgrounds.
Referring to last year’s mobile medical initiatives conducted with the support of the Chief Minister, he said thousands of operations and ultrasound screenings had already been carried out across districts and tribes through the Chief Minister’s Mobile Operation Theatre programme. He expressed gratitude to the residents, colony chairman, and executives of PWD Colony for supporting the initiative.
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Tongpang L Jamir, while addressing the gathering, stressed the importance of health and described the free camp as a valuable initiative that would ease the financial burden of medical check-ups for many families.
He stated that no person should face discrimination on the basis of gender, colour, religion, or disability, adding that every individual has the right to live with dignity.
Jamir also highlighted the importance of disability certificates – Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to avail government welfare schemes. Citing the 2011 Census, he said Nagaland had 29,631 PwDs at the time, but only around 4,000 people had obtained UDID cards and disability certificates so far.
He informed that disability certificates can be obtained through the Disability Cell and Medical Board at district hospitals and at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. He further noted that there are 21 recognised categories of disabilities under the system.
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Jamir announced that the Commission would soon launch awareness and medical assessment camps across districts in the coming months. He also spoke about the government-backed Niramaya health insurance scheme under the National Trust, implemented in Nagaland through NBARD, stating that PwDs must first obtain disability certificates to access such benefits.
Meanwhile, Vincent Belho, Manager of FPAI Nagaland Branch, clarified misconceptions surrounding family planning. He said family planning does not simply mean reducing childbirth, but rather ensuring that families are financially and socially capable of providing good education, healthcare, and overall wellbeing for children.
Belho also spoke on HIV/AIDS awareness and highlighted recent advancements in preventive medication. He explained that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission, especially among vulnerable groups and couples where one partner is HIV positive and the other negative. He also mentioned Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), stating that people exposed to infected needles should seek medical treatment within 72 hours to prevent infection.
The programme was chaired by Michael Neikha, Chairman of PWD Colony.
