17th Common Review Mission team reaches Mon to begin district review

DIMAPUR — The 17th Common Review Mission (CRM) team reached Mon on Monday night, overcoming landslide-affected routes that highlighted the district’s challenging terrain.

Upon arrival, the team was received at Walo Guest House, where a brief reception programme was organised by the deputy commissioner and heads of departments from Social Welfare, DRDA, KNSK, and the staff of Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) office, the NHM Mon stated in a press release.

Welcoming the team, Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak acknowledged that there may be shortcomings within the district’s medical and allied departments but urged everyone to focus on constructive outcomes.

“Instead of fault-finding, let us look for ways to improve the system and bring a positive impact through this monitoring visit,” the DC said.

Wennyei encouraged the staff to present a true picture of their work rather than showcase a polished version and assured that the district administration would extend full support to the CRM team during their visit.

Dr. Supongmenla Walling, Chief Medical Officer of Mon, extended her welcome to the 17th CRM team and introduced both the central and state officials. She expressed her appreciation to the heads of departments, civil society organizations, and allied departments for their cooperation and patience during the team’s delayed arrival.

Speaking on behalf of the civil societies KU, KNSK, and KSU, Manom Konyak, vice president of KNSK, underscored the importance of community partnerships in improving health outcomes in the district.

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She shared that the KNSK has been actively collaborating with the medical department and various stakeholders to conduct awareness programmes on drug and tobacco prevention, with the vision of making Mon a drug- and tobacco-free district.

Manom also emphasised the urgent need to establish more detoxification centres to effectively support individuals seeking recovery and help achieve this collective goal.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. R Moktan, Director of the Regional Resource Centre – North East (RRC-NE), conveyed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended throughout the state and district, including the assistance provided during road blockages. She outlined the team’s plan to visit all health blocks, facilities, and to engage with community members, JAS, VHSNCs, civil societies, schools, and Anganwadi centres.

“We are not here to inspect or monitor, but to offer supportive supervision under the National Health Mission,” she said. “Our focus is on the 12 expanded primary health care packages, assessing primary and secondary care, and strengthening community-level processes.”

Dr. Moktan emphasised that the mission would help identify gaps and work with the state to strengthen the health system.

During the session, Dr. Aonungdok Tushi Ao, Deputy CMO, presented an overview of Mon district — covering its profile, health indicators, workforce status, and key strengths and challenges. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ngopelo Keviechu, DPO (CD II), and opened with an invocation by David Konyak, Chaplain of the District Hospital.

The 17th CRM team includes Dr. R. Moktan, Director of RRC NE; Avik Kumar Ghosh, Junior Consultant, NHSRC; Dr. Hemant Kumar Mishra, Assistant Professor, IIHMR; Neelam Singh, Senior Consultant, HMIS; Nikhal Krishna, ResreachAssistant, CCRAS.

The accompanying state officials are Dr. Kika Longkumer, Joint Director; Dr. Manyau Phom, Deputy Director, NHM; Dr. Yingyei, Deputy Director (Store); Kewetso Kenye, Accountant, NHM.

After the formal programme, the CRM team held a short discussion with the district medical team to finalise field visits plan and tour schedules for the coming days.