Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) was launched at District Hospital (DH) conference hall, Zunheboto on 19 October.

The launching programme was organised by the office of the Chief Medical Officer along with the District Health Society (DHS) Zunheboto.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr Shikato, SMO, Sr Specialist (Surgeon).

He highlighted the main aim of the SUMAN scheme which is to reduce and stop all preventable maternal and infant deaths by providing free treatment and quality healthcare to pregnant women and new-borns.

Dr Shikato stressed on how SUMAN will be beneficial for the state and to implement the scheme in the district.

District Hospital Zunheboto was selected by the state government along with the various other health units.

Dr Heto Swu DPO (UIP&RCH) gave the keynote address, briefly highlighting the SUMAN activities in the district till date.

He delivered a detailed statistics report on maternal and infant mortality rate which shows a drastic declination compared to a decade ago, progress which the doctor attributed to the initiative taken by the government.

He stated that SUMAN is a collaboration and collective of all the existing programs like JSY, JSSK and PMSMA.

The vision of SUMAN is to achieve zero maternal and infant death through quality care with dignity and respect, Dr Swu explained.

To achieve this vision, SUMAN carries the goal of ending all preventable maternal and new born deaths.

The objective is to assure dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and maintain zero tolerance for denial of service to women and new-borns visiting the healthcare.

The beneficiaries for this scheme are pregnant women, mothers up to six months post delivery and sick infants.

Nyamok Konyak EAC also delivered a short speech on behalf of the administration. She requested the department in rededicating and ensuring better healthcare services through SUMAN.

Following the speeches, Dr C Yanpo Kithan, Medical Superintendent DH, launched the SUMAN facility.

During the launching programme, Rosemary Vitoli, DPM (NHM), served as the chairperson while Dr Meyielhi Kapfo, Sr Specialist Ob & Gy proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme was attended by the CMO, DY CMO, STH, CSO’s, staff under the CMO and DH establishment and administration representatives.