Jamir seeks centre intervention to augment health sector

• DIMAPUR — Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha MP, S Supongmeren Jamir, has written a series of letters to JP Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers, pertaining to multiple healthcare-related concerns affecting the people of Nagaland.
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• A NPPC press release issued by communication department stated that Jamir, in his letters, highlighted three major issues requiring urgent attention from the central government, particularly the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
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• He has highlighted the pressing issue faced by medical graduates in Nagaland who aspire to pursue postgraduate studies. With no dedicated NEET-PG examination centre in the state, he stated that aspirants are forced to travel long distances to other states, facing financial and logistical burdens.

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• Acknowledging that Dimapur was previously allocated as a centre, he however noted that the seats were filled up within 48 hours, leaving many candidates without access. He appealed to reinstate NEET-PG centres in Kohima and Dimapur to ensure equitable access and reduce the stress on aspiring candidates.
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• The MP also raised the concern that the CGHS Wellness Centre in Kohima lacks AYUSH facilities, particularly Ayurvedic and Homeopathic units. He noted that while other capital cities in the northeastern region were equipped with such facilities, Kohima remains an exception.
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• Citing a Ministry directive in 2019, which recommended setting up of Ayush units in 26-27 cities, Jamir urged the minister to take immediate action to fill the gap, stressing that it would enhance healthcare services and meet the expectations of the beneficiaries in the region.
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• Another letter stated that during a recent visit to the CGHS Wellness Centre in Kohima, he had observed a severe shortage of staff with only two permanent employees currently serving against the three sanctioned posts. He recommended increasing the sanctioned strength to at least eight to include more medical officers, pharmacists, support staff and administrative personnel.
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• Additionally, he pointed out that no local hospitals are empanelled with the CGHS due to low CGHS rates and the absence of adequately equipped facilities. He proposed a revision in CGHS rates especially for the northeastern states to make empanelment more attractive to private hospitals in the region.
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• Jamir further sought timely intervention by the ministry, given the government’s stated vision of improving healthcare services in the northeastern region. He expressed hope that his concerns would receive serious consideration and that necessary action would be taken at the earliest for the welfare of the people of Nagaland.