Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, S Pangnyu Phom, formally inaugurated the 39 Bedded Covid Hospital at Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) Mokokchung on 15 December.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Tongpang Ozukum, minister of Housing & Mechanical, Nagaland, James Lester, Key Coordination, C-Camp Bengaluru and Uttam Bhattacharyya, Consultant North-East C-Camp, Guwahati.

The Hospital is developed with support from NOVO Nordisk Foundation, Denmark, Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi, C-Camp, Bengaluru & Invest India through ANGIi Mission under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Govt of India.

Later in the day, the minister of Health & Family Welfare unveiled the foundation stones of Govt College of Nursing under the Central Sector Scheme ‘Development of Nursing Services’ 2022-2023 and 50 Bedded Critical Care Unit, under National Mission ‘Emergency Covid Response Package- II’ 2021–2022 at IMDH Mokokchung.

Pangnyu Phom unveiling the foundation stone of the Government College of Nursing.

A formal programme was held at the Conference Hall IMDH to mark the inauguration of the 39 Bedded COVID Hospital and the unveiling of foundation stones of Govt College of Nursing and 50 Bedded Critical Care Unit.

Minister S Pangnyu Phom said the 39 Bedded COVID Hospital at IMDH is set up as a project of Invest India and ANGii Mission.

The project was carried out with guidance and support from the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor of Government of India and with support by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in Denmark to strengthen the much-needed health infrastructure.

Phom also expressed his gratitude to C-Camp Bengaluru for setting up the Hospital.

On the upgradation of Nursing School to Nursing College, he stated that this was taken up to improve and upgrade the nursing services in the state as there is an increasing requirement of highly skilled nursing personnel due to rapid advancement in medical technology.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Government of India for taking up the initiative under the central sector scheme ‘Development of Nursing Services’.

He also said the government has decided to set up the first Critical Care Unit with 50 bedded capacities at IMDH Mokokchung owing to its location and accessibility not only for the inhabitants of Mokokchung district but to the neighbouring districts to augment the capacity of the hospital to manage patients requiring critical care during pandemics and other emergencies.

During the programme, speeches were delivered by guest of honour, Tongpang Ozukum, minister of Housing & Mechanical Nagaland, Chubawati Longchar, president of Ao Senden, and others.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr Kika, Joint Director, Health & Family Welfare while a vote of thanks was proposed by Dr S Marina Yaden, Medical Superintendent, IMDH Mokokchung.

The programme was chaired by Dr Limatula Aier, Chief Medical Officer, Mokokchung.