JICA and NIMSR eye research ties with Japan

A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India Office, led by JICA Country Head, Takuro Takeuchi and Representative Saya Ishikawa, visited Kohima on September 22 to explore avenues for research collaboration between the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR) and Japanese universities.
JICA is currently supporting the establishment of a 400-bed Medical College Hospital at NIMSR through Official Development Assistance (ODA), aimed at strengthening tertiary healthcare services and enhancing medical education in Nagaland.
During the visit, the delegation toured Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), Seikhazou Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), and NIMSR Kohima. They also held meetings with the Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, and officials from the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare.
Discussions focused on key research priorities of the State, including stomach cancer, toxicology, elderly care management, infertility, and studies on medicinal plants and biohazards. The possibility of faculty and student exchange programmes was also deliberated.
State officials informed the delegation that Nagaland would identify and prepare specific areas of collaboration based on local needs, which would be taken up in future meetings. It was also proposed that such partnerships could extend beyond the health sector.
The JICA delegation indicated that a follow-up visit may be scheduled in January 2026 to further advance the collaborative initiatives.