Union Minister, Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR) at Medical College Campus, Kohima on 14th October 2023.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mandaviya said that “NIMSR is not just a medical college, it is also a research institute. It will not only fulfil the purpose of imparting medical education but will also address the health issues of the Naga people.” Highlighting the commitment of the Central Government for improving medical education in Nagaland, he stated that in a span of just 9 years, the MBBS seats in India has increased from 64,000 to 1,60,000. “Similarly, PG seats have also doubled in the last 9 years”, he said.
The Union Health Minister encouraged the students and other stakeholders to not limit their scope of research within national borders. “We must encash on opportunities abroad as well”, he said. He also informed that the Centre has started foreign language courses in many medical education institutes so that students can have an edge in getting jobs abroad. He specifically mentioned that Japanese language courses are being introduced in Assam Medical Colleges to prepare medical professionals for service in Japan, and shared similar plans for such courses in Nagaland.
Dr Mandaviya said that strengthening the medical, nursing and pharmacy education in the country is an endeavour of the GoI for the holistic development and expansion of the country’s health sector. “The aim is to ensure that each citizen of India is able to get access to affordable and accessible healthcare across the country”, he said. He also highlighted the expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country to improve access to quality and affordable medicines for all.
The Union Minister conveyed his eagerness to experience the vibrant culture of Nagaland, expressing his desire to visit the state with his family. He specifically mentioned the much-celebrated Hornbill Festival held in Kisama, where various tribes converge to showcase their diverse and beautiful traditions.
The Union Minister spoke about the potential for medical tourism in Nagaland, where individuals can seek treatment while also enjoying the beauty of the region.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his address, stated, “Today is a historic day for the people of Nagaland as we inaugurated the first medical college in the state”. Highlighting that it was a long cherished dream of the people of Nagaland to have a medical college in their state, he acknowledged the Prime Minister of India for his relentless support in promoting infrastructure projects in the State, the officers and staff of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, NIMSR team, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the contractors, all the landowners, and other line departments which helped in the success of accomplishing in the formation of the Institute.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the development of the North East would bring a huge contribution to the country and that this is the beginning of a new journey to better healthcare in the State and the North East. He hoped that the institute would prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of patients by focusing on patient-centered care. Medical institutes often have partnerships with other medical institutions, research organizations, and industry stakeholders. This collaboration allows for knowledge sharing, access to specialized resources, and the ability to offer comprehensive healthcare solutions.
Grateful to Hon’ble Union Minister @mansukhmandviya, Union Minister @MoHFW_INDIA & Chemical & Fertilizers for inaugurating the Nagaland Medical College (NIMSR in the presence of hon’ble CM @Neiphiu_Rio, fulfilling the long cherished dream of the people of Nagaland.@NalinSKohli pic.twitter.com/Ju2mhwRj8e
— P Paiwang Konyak (@princepaiwang) October 14, 2023
Nagaland Minister of H&FW, Paiwang Konyak mentioned that with the inauguration of this college, the healthcare delivery system in the state will be enhanced, by offering quality education to medical professionals, conducting research, and providing specialized care to patients. The college will also provide a platform for medical research facilities and capacity building besides medical education.
Today, Nagaland has a ratio of 5386 persons per doctor, which is one of the lowest in the country and as of date, there is an acute shortage of doctors. Nonetheless, Paiwang said that he is optimistic that a substantial number of MBBS seats can be increased in the coming years, making affordable medical education available and mitigating the shortage of doctors in the state and country as well.
Paiwang further mentioned that the inauguration of this college is the fulfillment of the dream of establishing a Medical College in Nagaland which began during 2013-2014 when the state submitted a DPR under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of “Establishment of New Medical Colleges” attached with the existing District/Referral Hospital. With the approval of the National Medical Council, formal classes commenced on 1st September 2023 with the first batch of 100 students, and in the coming years, he envisioned Nagaland as an important destination for Medical Tourism offering quality health care, combined with the natural beauty of the State.
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Director cum Dean, NIMSR, Dr Soumya Chakraborty said that the active journey of NIMSR has begun with 100 MBBS students from Nagaland and other states. NIMSR aspires to be a center of excellence in academics, research innovations, and patient care services by producing tomorrow’s doctors who shall have all the attributes of the best physicians.
Patient-centered care will come alive when one walks alongside patients, on a shared healing journey, and she said that NIMSR shall be a center to reconnect. She also said that NIMSR bears the core concept of lifelong learning in medical education: ‘Enter to learn, develop the skills, and exit to serve.’
Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA of Kohima Town donated to NIMSR several priceless specimens of pathological tissues and organs collected over several years of his clinical practice as a surgeon at the program.
Cabinet members of the Govt of Nagaland; Senior officials of the Union and Nagaland Government, Members of Civil Societies and Special Invitees were present on the occasion.
Thank You Nagaland for the affection!
Happy to be among the wonderful people of the culturally rich State.
Here are some pictures from Nagaland. pic.twitter.com/9Fw633Ye5y
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 14, 2023
NIMSR Kohima aims at providing holistic medical education to MBBS students enrolled under NIMSR, comprehensive hospital based and community outreach health care services to patients through various Health Care Programs, extra and intramural research facilities.
NIMSR Kohima is affiliated to Nagaland University. It received the Letter of Permission for admission of 100 MBBS seats from academic year 2023-2024 from the National Medical Commission (NMC), in April 2023 paving way to start the first Medical College in the state after 60 years of statehood, realizing the long-cherished dream of the people of Nagaland.
85 MBBS students from state of Nagaland and 6 students from all India seats got admitted in NIMSR and have joined MBBS classes after induction program on 1st September 2023.
*Source – DIPR and PIB Nagaland
