Nagaland: MoU signed to boost health systems in State

State health & family welfare (H&FW) department and The George Institute (TGI) for Global Health, India, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on at the IDSP Conference Hall, H&FW directorate Kohima February 16, 2026.
The signing ceremony marked the launch of a collaborative initiative aimed at improving population health outcomes and strengthening the health system in Nagaland through evidence-based research, capacity building, and community empowerment. Welcoming the dignitaries, H&FW deputy director Dr. Thomas Keppen, provided an overview of how the partnership evolved between the two institutions. He expressed optimism that the MoU would bring substantial benefits to the state’s healthcare landscape.
In her institutional reflection, principal director H&FW, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in collective efforts to enhance health systems and outcomes in Nagaland. She stressed that MoU represented far more than a formal document—it signified a shared commitment to cooperation, innovation, and joint responsibility.
Dr. Senlem highlighted The George Institute for Global Health’s global reputation as a leader in evidence-based research and system-wide health reforms.
She said Nagaland was honoured in partnering with such a distinguished institution.
Through the PATANG project—Promoting Community Action for Health—she outlined plans to build upon Nagaland’s pioneering communitization reforms, empowering communities, enhancing health literacy, and fostering stronger partnerships among civil society, government, and the people.
The George Institute for Global Health India director Dr. Pallab Maulik described the institute as a pure research organisation with a strong focus on impactful health interventions. He noted that PATANG project operates globally but maintains a primary emphasis on India, supported by a team of 250 researchers and over 400 field staff working across the country.
Dr. Maulik expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the Government of Nagaland, anticipating contributions not only in research but also in capacity building and system strengthening.
The program director Dr. Deviki Nambiar presented a detailed strategic roadmap and way forward for PATANG initiative, outlining key objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by H&FW deputy director Dr. Manyau Phom.
He expressed gratitude to The George Institute for Global Health for their partnership and commended the principal director H&FW for in making the initiative a success.