Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh L Mandaviya, on Saturday, formally inaugurated the state’s first medical college– Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research (NIMSR) at Phriebagie, Kohima.
In his address, Mandaviya said NIMSR would not only provide medical education and employment opportunities but would also benefit the people of state through its researches providing focused healthcare facilities depending on the requirement. He, however, stressed that “Health should not be commercialised but it should be regarded as a service as has been practised from the past.”
Mandaviya expressed happiness that NIMSR was not just a medical college but also a research institute. He maintained that specimens in the state can be researched and local health issues can be addressed accordingly. He said this would not only provide medical education but also be a research centre for various diseases and help in addressing the issues concerning health at the same time provide opportunity to students’ medical studies.
Reminding Prime Minister Modi’s vision to develop the North East region, particularly in the healthcare sector, he said development of NE was crucial for India’s growth.
He lauded chief minister Neiphiu Rio for his efforts towards fulfilling Modi government’s dream of providing better health facilities. Mandaviya assured the Centre would that continue to provide all possible support towards this end.
He also urged Nagaland government to start Jan Aushadi Kendras in every health facility of the state, and assured full support of the Centre. Dr Mandaviya suggested that NIMSR should tie-up with Ayushman Bharat and CM Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) in order to provide healthcare opportunities to the poor patients.
He further stressed that medical and nursing education needed to be strengthened considering the growing need of the sector.
He also disclosed that Health Ministry was partnering with other countries in order to provide human resources in the form of nurses which would generate employment avenues for the people.
Acknowledging the state’s rich and vibrant culture, the minister stressed on the need to promote medical tourism, where individuals could seek treatment while also enjoying the beauty of the region.
In his address, chief minister Neiphiu Rio termed it as a historic day for the people of Nagaland as their dream of a medical college was fulfilled after a span of 60 years of statehood.
Despite being one of the oldest states in the region, Rio said there was no regional or national institute in the state, particularly in higher education sector.
Rio pointed out that this was the reason why all students from the region were going out to other states like a “one-way traffic” with none coming in thus creating an imbalance especially in the higher education sector.
He expressed happiness that out of 100 seats 15 were allotted to other states, bringing in students from outside the state to receive higher education in the state.
Rio, however, lamented that Nagaland was still facing problems due to the unresolved Naga political issue, which was why the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was in force, hampering the inflow of visitors to the state.
He pointed out that even though Nagaland was ranked as having the least number of crimes and rated as the safest state for women, all these could not help the state attract tourists because of the political issue. He hoped that NIMSR would continue to grow as a centre of excellence and cater to the needs of the people and also help the state grow in the healthcare sector.
Addressing the gathering, Health & Family Welfare minister, Paiwang Konyak, hoped that with the inauguration of the college, healthcare delivery system in the state would be enhanced. He said out that by providing quality education to medical professionals, conducting research and providing specialised care to patients, the state was on the path to better healthcare facilities.
He also disclosed that Nagaland has a doctor-patient ratio of 5386:1 which was one of the lowest in the country indicating the acute shortage of doctors which was also highlighted during the pandemic.
The minister hoped that the number of MBBS seats would increase in the coming years, making affordable medical education accessible and also mitigate the shortage of doctors in the state and country as well.
He said the process of setting up of a medical college began in 2013-14, when the DPR was submitted for establishment of a medical college in Nagaland. He said the approval and grant of Rs 189 crore was received along with permission to establish the first State run Medical College with 100 MBBS seats in Kohima.
Paiwang said with the approval of National Medical Council, formal classes had commenced since September 1, 2023 with the first batch of 100 students.
Director cum dean of NIMSR, Dr. Soumya Chakraborty said that the active journey of NIMSR begun with 100 MBBS students from Nagaland and other states. She said that NIMSR aspires to be a Centre 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.
During the inaugural KOHIMAS hospital proprietor and Kohima town MLA Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso donated around 40 specimens of pathological tissues and organs collected over 10 years, which were handed over to NIMSR dean.
It was informed that among the specimens, there were several rare medical and surgical conditions of academic interest collected over the years by Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhütso.
Earlier, Mandaviya unveiled the monolith, in the presence of chief minister, deputy CM TR Zeliang, ministers MLAs and officials. The dedicatory prayer was pronounced by pastor, Peraciezie Baptist Church, Rev Dr Kevichalie Metha, while vote of thanks was proposed by commissioner & secretary, Health & Family Welfare, V Kezo.