Lab services key to effective healthcare delivery — Dr. Moktan

Free diagnostic services training for lab technicians concludes in Kohima

DIMAPUR — Director of Regional Resource Centre- North East, Guwahati (RRC-NE), Dr. Raj Prabha Moktan, emphasised the importance of lab services in both clinical health and preventive public health, highlighting their integral role in every aspect of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Moktan was addressing the introductory programme of the training programme for lab technicians on free diagnostic services, which commenced on July 3 at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare conference hall in Kohima.

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Organised in collaboration with the RRC-NE, the training, conducted in two batches and which brought together lab technicians from various districts across the state, concluded on Friday, a DIPR report stated.

The director also stressed the need to focus on improving lab services and stated that RRC-NE would support capacity building in this area. She added that the upcoming phase of the National Health Mission (2025-2030) would prioritise Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and e-Health, necessitating further enhancements in lab services.

Dr. Moktan urged the state to expand lab services across various healthcare levels in line with the Indian Public Health Standard (IPHS). She commended the state's achievements, including a low infant mortality rate of 7 (as per SRS 2022) and fewer anaemia cases among pregnant women compared to national figures. Additionally, she praised the Nagaland’s progress in establishing functional Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs), with 78% of the target achieved and 83% of those providing comprehensive services.

She further lauded the state's strong community engagement in the health sector and notable progress in certifying health units under the National Quality Assurance Standard (NQAS).

She expressed optimism that continued efforts would enable Nagaland to meet its targets of certifying 50% of health units by 2025 and 100% by December 2026. Furthermore, she appreciated the state's rational transfer and posting policy for healthcare personnel.

Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director of DoHFW, in her address, expressed gratitude to the RRC-NE, Guwahati, for their consistent support to Nagaland, particularly in aspirational districts and blocks.

She emphasised the critical role of lab technicians in providing accurate diagnoses, which directly impacts effective treatment. Dr. Senlem also encouraged the lab technicians to enhance their skills through training opportunities.

Dr. Avile Zao, Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM), urged lab technicians to actively participate in the training, emphasising its value in expanding their knowledge and skills.

She noted that the insights gained would enhance their capabilities and contribute to improving the overall quality of lab services in the state.

Dr. Sentimeren Aonok, Director of DoHFW, delivered the vote of thanks, emphasising that the goal of healthcare services is to provide accessible, affordable, quality, and timely care. He highlighted the importance of such training initiatives in the state and expressed gratitude to RRC-NE and the NHM, Nagaland team for organising the programme.

The programme was chaired by Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, State Program Officer, NHM, Nagaland.

Dr. Manyau Phom, Deputy Director, NHM, gave a brief overview of Free Diagnostic Service Initiative (FDSI) in the state.

The participants were trained in two batches: lab technicians from the districts of Mon, Noklak, Peren, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto and Longleng, on July 3, and those from Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and Kiphire districts on July 4.

They were trained on Free Diagnostic Service Initiative (FDSI), Internal Quality Control, EQAS and hands on training.

The resource persons for the training were Bhaswat Kumar Das, Senior Consultant, RRC-NE; Pumani Kalita, Consultant, CP-CPHC (RRC-NE), and personnel from Trimed with which NHM has a MoU for maintenance of medical equipment across the state and OEM on equipment.