KOHIMA, Oct 14 (NEPS): Union Minister, H&FW, and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR) at the Medical College Campus, Kohima on October 14, 2023.
Dr. Mandaviya praised Nagaland’s huge growth potential and emphasized the state’s wealth of resources. He stressed the need for the North East area to be developed, particularly in the healthcare sector, and he recalled the five commitments, or Panch Pran, that Prime Minister Modi made at the Red Ford.
He disclosed that the country’s MBBS seats have doubled in a short period of time, demonstrating a dedication to enhancing healthcare education and services, during his visit to Nagaland, which was his second to the state. NIMSR is a research institute as well as a medical college, according to Dr. Mandaviya. It will take care of the Naga people’s health problems in addition to serving the aim of teaching medical education.
He expressed his intention to travel to Nagaland with his family in order to see the state’s unique culture. He notably referred to the popular Kisama Hornbill Festival, which brings together numerous tribes to exhibit their varied and lovely traditions.
Dr. Mandaviya revealed that Japanese language courses are being introduced in Assam Medical Colleges to train medical personnel for service in Japan, and shared similar plans for such courses in Nagaland, in keeping with Prime Minister Modi’s aim for the medical sector to go worldwide.
He emphasized that providing healthcare is neither a business or a kind of commerce in India, but rather a service. He used the example of India’s humanitarian efforts in distributing hydroxychloroquine to other nations during the COVID-19 outbreak as evidence. He also stressed the nation’s commitment to producing inexpensive, high-quality drugs for everyone.
The Union Minister discussed the possibility for medical travel to Nagaland, where patients can receive care while taking in the area’s natural beauty.
Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister, thanked the Prime Minister of India for his unwavering support in advancing infrastructure projects in the State, as well as the NIMSR team, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the contractors, all the landowners, and other line departments who contributed to the success of establishing the Institute.
The Chief Minister added that this is the start of a new path toward better healthcare in the State and the North East and that the development of the North East would greatly benefit the nation. He believed that through emphasizing patient-centered treatment, the institute would place a high priority on the satisfaction and well-being of its patients.
Partnerships between medical institutions and other medical institutions, research groups, and industry players are common. This collaboration makes it possible to share information, gain access to specialist resources, and provide all-inclusive healthcare solutions.
The state’s healthcare delivery system will be improved with the opening of this college, according to Minister of Health and Family Welfare Paiwang Konyak, who also conducted research and provided specialized care to patients. In addition to offering medical education, the institution will serve as a platform for capacity building and medical research facilities.
Nagaland now has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in the nation at 5386, and there is a severe doctor shortage.
Paiwang expressed optimism that a significant number of MBBS seats may be added in the upcoming years, making inexpensive medical education available and easing the state’s and the nation’s doctor shortages.
Paiwang continued, “With the opening of this college, the dream of establishing a medical college in Nagaland has been realized. The dream was first mooted in 2013-2014 when the state submitted a DPR under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of “Establishment of New Medical Colleges” attached with the existing District/Referral Hospital.
With the National Medical Council’s blessing, formal classes began on September 1, 2023, with the first group of 100 students. In the years to come, he saw Nagaland as a key location for medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare alongside the state’s natural beauty.
Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, the director and dean of NIMSR, stated that 100 MBBS students from Nagaland and other states have started the institute’s active journey. By graduating doctors with all the qualities of the best medical professionals, NIMSR hopes to become a center of excellence in education, research advances, and patient care services.
She said that NIMSR will serve as a hub for reunification. Patient-centered treatment will come to life when one travels with patients on a shared healing journey. She added that the fundamental tenet of lifelong learning in medical education is to “enter to learn, develop the skills, and exit to serve.” This is also true of NIMSR.
A number of priceless specimens of diseased tissues and organs gathered over many years of his clinical practice as a surgeon at the program were donated to NIMSR by Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA of Kohima Town.
(Atuzo Asst Director, Takumpula IA)