Nagaland Salhoutuonuo inaugurates upgraded CHC

Minister of Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, inaugurated the upgradation of Sechu-Zubza Primary Health Centre (PHC) to Community Health Centre (CHC) at Sechu-Zubza, Kohima, on November 28.
The inaugural programme was held at the CHC premises in the presence of SDO (C) Sechu-Zubza, officials from Health & Family Welfare, CMO Kohima, district programme officers, CHC staff, VHC members and community representatives.
According to a press release from District Health Society Kohima, Salhoutuonuo described the occasion as a significant milestone in healthcare development for the region. She said the upgradation represented the government’s strong commitment to provide accessible and quality health services to every resisent, particularly those in rural and remote areas. Expressing gratitude to the department for the upgradation, she noted that the health centre, established decades ago, had served the basic medical needs of the community but required expansion to meet growing population and healthcare demands. She reminded village leaders and health centre staff to take shared responsibility and actively support the facility to ensure its efficient functioning.
Salhoutuonuo further stated that the upgradation was part of the larger vision under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio to strengthen health infrastructure across Nagaland by expanding access, improving service quality and reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses. She urged the public to trust and utilise government health services, mentioning that the CHC should serve as a beacon of hope and healing for generations to come.
The programme began with an invocation by Letuo Neya, deacon of Pentecostal Church, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Petekuolie Yhome, Medical Officer, Sechu-Zubza.
Delivering short speeches, Dr. Margaret Yhome, director H&FW, encouraged healthcare providers to remain curative, ethical and compassionate in service. CMO Kohima, Dr. N. Leamnyei Konyak, recalled that Sechu PHC was established in 1965, upgraded to PHC in 1991, and now inaugurated as CHC in 2025. He urged maximal community participation, reminding, “If you love your health, love your hospital.”
SDO (C) Er. Imliakum Sanglir highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, equipment, and coordination among all sectors to strengthen healthcare services. The event was chaired by Meya Zhünyü, chairman HCMC/JAS, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Khriengulie Kuotsu.