J Alam, IAS, Chief Secretary of Nagaland attended the inception program of North East Regional Multi-Discilinary Paramedical Institute (NERMPI) at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Dimapur on Saturday, DIPR informed.

Speaking on the occasion, Alam said this institution has been a part of the long-committed efforts by the State Government to fulfil the aspirations of the people for providing improved healthcare services in the state. The establishment of this institution is essential to bridge the gap in healthcare resources and marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the people.

Stating that health is a priority sector for the Government of Nagaland, the Chief Secretary highlighted some ongoing infrastructural developments such as the first Medical College in Kohima, School of Nursing in NHAK Kohima to be upgraded into College of Nursing and the 150 bedded hospital that in being constructed in NIMSR Kohima which will soon be converted into Maternity and Child Hospital. He further informed that efforts are underway to start the Medical College at Mon.

Besides these, he informed that the State is implementing the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) to achieve universal health coverage with a total of 20,97,712 beneficiaries including about 67 per cent of the government employees (119,037) enrolled in the State’s flagship health insurance scheme as of February 2024.

He mentioned that these initiatives underscore the government’s efforts towards Nagaland Sustainable Development Goal Vision 2030 which states that by 2030, Nagaland will ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages by providing equitable, affordable and quality healthcare services to the people of the state. He asserted that by expanding health insurance coverage and implementing universal health coverage initiatives, we are not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also laying a strong foundation for a healthier and more resilient society.

The Chief Secretary also disclosed in addition to the funding provided by the Government of India, the efforts of the State have also garnered attention and support from various other sources. Announcing that the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has recently extended the Official Development Assistance for the establishment of a 400 bedded hospital at NIMSR, Kohima which will provide tertiary-level medical services to the people of the State, he said that all these heralds a new era in the development of health care system in the state.

Alam acknowledged that challenges still remain especially the shortage of trained paramedics which is creating a barrier to accessing quality healthcare for many particularly in the far flung areas of our state. He informed that with regard the availability of public healthcare providers (MO, specialists, staff nurse & ANM) in district healthcare system, the sanction as per NHM is 9 per 10,000 but we are still at 7 per 10,000 population.

We must address this challenge with urgency and resolve, Alam stated, stressing that investing in further paramedic training programs and increasing healthcare worker recruitment and retention are crucial steps. The biggest task in our hands now is to be prepared for the diseases and healthcare challenges of tomorrow. It should be a shared objective for all of us to share a steady supply of skilled paramedics who will play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare delivery across the state.

Alam encouraged all to work towards building a robust healthcare work force that is equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. He expressed hope that in 10 years down the line Nagaland residents will have access to the healthcare they deserve within Nagaland and not go out in search for medical treatment outside.

Chief Secretary J Alam and dignitaries unveiled the NERMPI foundation plague and institute magazine.

Principal of CIHSR, Dr B Paul Ravindran and Director Dr Sedevi Angami also delivered speeches at the program. Commendations were given away to former Assistant Director, Dr Jacob Chacko and former principal, Allied Health Sciences, Dr Simpson Yovan.