Kiphire gets mobile medical unit to boost rural healthcare

DIMAPUR — In continuation of efforts to strengthen social protection and healthcare delivery in rural areas of Nagaland, The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA), along with TATA AIG General Insurance Company Ltd., launched a new Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) at Kiphire on June 18.

The MMU was officially flagged off by Temsuwati Longkumer, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire at the District Hospital conference hall, tEA stated in a press release.

The MMU is implemented by tEA as the local partner and supported by TATA AIG insurance, in collaboration with Swasti and the chief medical officer (CMO) of Kiphire.

In his address, Dr. R Wapang lmchen, CMO, provided an overview of the MMU’s purpose and scope, emphasising its role in filling healthcare service gaps, particularly for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Representing TATA AIG, Madhukar  Sinha, spoke about the company’s ongoing commitment to rural health and social protection, He also stated that the MMU will bring healthcare to rural doorsteps, eliminating the need to travel, while TATA continues to provide health insurance coverage to society's most vulnerable groups.

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Director of Social Protection at Swasti, P Bhoopathy, provided a brief overview of the MMU project, which is already underway in Zunheboto district.

He also shared information about the Social Protection Project (SPP), which concluded in Zunheboto and Phek, having exceeded its target by enrolling 16,000 beneficiaries under various health protection schemes.

The SPP will now be undertaken in Kiphire and Peren districts this financial year. Bhoopathy also updated that Swasti is keen for collaborations and initiatives to permeate health coverage across rural communities in Nagaland and its neighbouring states.

The deputy commissioner lauded the partnership, acknowledging the district health workforce's dedication despite the challenging terrain. He urged healthcare professionals to leverage the MMU project to further extend their reach to Kiphire's remote areas.

The MMU will bridge healthcare gaps in Kiphire, prioritising the elderly and persons with disabilities. It aims to raise awareness, reduce hospital visits, and boost community engagement, showcasing effective public-private partnership in action, the release stated.

Earlier, the event commenced with a welcome address by Cukhoyi Chiero, Zonal Head tEA, who highlighted the significance of bringing healthcare access to remote communities.

This was followed by a prayer of dedication for the MMU, led by Pastor Nusu Tunyi of the Tenyimi Baptist Church. Chunjanglu Gracy, operations supervisor at tEA, proposed vote of thanks.