Nagaland chief secretary, J. Alam, inaugurated the state’s first North East Regional Multi-disciplinary Paramedical Institute (NERMPI) at LG Hall, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the development of healthcare services in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Alam highlighted CIHSR’s role in the state government’s longstanding commitment to improving healthcare services. He emphasized that CIHSR has been instrumental in fulfilling the aspirations of the people for enhanced healthcare in the state and also bridging healthcare resource gaps and achieving comprehensive healthcare coverage. Emphasizing the state government’s priority in the health sector, Alam said that significant progress has been made over the years. He cited the inauguration of the first medical college in Kohima on October 14, 2023, as an exemplary demonstration of the government’s commitment to the people of Nagaland.
He also mentioned the upgrading of the School of Nursing in NHAK Kohima to a College of Nursing and the conversion of the 150-bedded hospital in NIMSR Kohima into a maternity and child hospital.
Additionally, efforts are underway to establish the second medical college in Mon, he added.
Apart from infrastructural development, Alam mentioned the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), which covers over 20,97,732 beneficiaries, including 86.73% of government employees.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving Nagaland’s Sustainable Development Goal Vision 2030, aiming for overall well-being and health coverage of all by 2030.
Alam noted the support from various sources, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which extended Official Development Assistance loan for establishing a 400-bedded hospital at NIMSR Kohima, to provide tertiary level medical services for the people of the state.
Alam lamented that despite significant growth in the healthcare sector, challenges persist, especially in service delivery.
He highlighted a shortage of trained paramedics, which creates barriers to accessing quality healthcare, particularly in the remote areas of the state. Recalling his experience during the Covid-19 pandemic while heading the state war room, he emphasized that state paramedical services stood as one of the state’s greatest strengths.
He added that the resilience shown during those uncertain times attested not only to the skills but also to the innate nature of the Naga demeanor.
He, therefore, urged for collective efforts to ensure a steady supply of skilled paramedics for advancing healthcare delivery.
Regarding availability of public healthcare providers (medical officers, specialists, staff nurses, and ANMs) in the district healthcare system, he said the sanctioned ratio as per NHM is 9 per 10,000 population. However, currently the State’s ratio was 7 per 10,000 population.
Alam, therefore, stressed on the need to address this challenge with urgency and resolve by investing in paramedic training programs and increasing healthcare worker recruitment and retention.
He said the biggest task at hand now was to be prepared for the diseases and healthcare challenges of the future, adding that it should be a shared objective for all to share a steady supply of skilled paramedics who would play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare delivery across the state.
“By working together, we can ensure that all Nagaland residents have access to the healthcare they deserve,” he stated.
In his brief speech, CIHSR director Dr. Sedevi Angami expressed highlighted the governance structure– in partnership between EHA, CMC Vellore, and the Government of Nagaland, with chief secretary as the president of CIHSR society.
He also mentioned that NERMPI is currently offering courses such as BSc. Medical Laboratory Technology, BSc. Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, BSc. Health Information Management, BSc. Radiotherapy Technology, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Diploma in Hospital Equipment Maintenance among others.
Meanwhile, Alam along with other dignitaries unveiled NERMPI foundation plaque and institute magazine.
The principal address was delivered by Dr. B Paul Ravindran. On the occasion, commendations were given to former asst. director Dr. Jacob Chacko and former principal Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Simpson Yovan. Winners for NERMPI logo & motto competition were also awarded.
The programme was chaired by Edau Nza, invocation by Chaplain CIHSR Aonuktsung Imchen, ‘A million dreams’ by NERMPI students, Jisu kiman bhal ase by Patrick and friends, institutional song i/c Impang and benediction by Dr. Simpson Yovan.