Nagaland needs 500 more doctors, 2350 nurses as per IPHS, says official

Nagaland government is aiming at providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to all citizens

KOHIMA — The 10-bed intensive care unit (10-bed ICU) hubs launched by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio across 12 districts earlier this year, was one of the best-ever gifts to the people both in terms of quality of equipment and scope of its service, said Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Y Kikheto Sema.

He said the main objective of 10-Bed ICU wards is to help patients in remote and difficult areas access critical healthcare service from specialists in the hub hospital through Tele-ICU.

The official was speaking during the induction programme of 10-Bed ICU nurses at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) auditorium on Friday.

A total of 38 ICU nurses were given offer letters and training certificates during the event.

Related news: Neiphiu Rio launches 10-bed ICU facilities across Nagaland

Amid shortage of manpower, eGov Foundation came forward to sponsor the remuneration of 40 nurses initially for three years to manage the 10-Bed ICU in Nagaland, said Sema.

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He acknowledged Vinod Khosla, Nandan Nilekani, Srikanth Nadhamuni and eGov Foundation and team under the leadership of Bisoya Loitongbam, Director of 10-Bed ICU eGov Foundation, for donating latest equipment worth more than INR 32 crore.

Meanwhile, he lamented that the state has a huge manpower issue in the healthcare sector.

“If we go by IPHS (Indian Public Health Standard), there is a huge shortage of Doctors, more 500 doctors shortage and there is a shortage of more than 2350 nurses. So whatever resources made available, we (government) decided to look after the healthcare of the state” he said.

Pointing out that there was a teething problem initially due to logistic issues such as irregularities of electricity, network of telecom providers, and particularly manpower and nurses to manage it, he said high speed internet is now set up in eight district hospitals and the government is pursuing the matter for the remaining three districts -- Mon, Noklak and Peren.

About 212 patients have been admitted and treated in 10-Bed ICUs since its launch on January 6 this year, he said, adding that there are 11 active patients in different such facilities on Friday.

He told the nurses that they were lucky to get the chance to handle modern ICU equipment which will help them in future.

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He went on to say that the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Health minister P. Paiwang Konyak is aiming at providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to all citizens of the state and working towards it.

Meanwhile, Bisoya Loitongbam pointed out various challenges faced by the patients while seeking healthcare service. She said the 10-Bed ICUs project aims at making critical services closer to homes and to address lack of access and infrastructure.

She asked the nurses and officials to strive towards providing world class service to all the people of Nagaland.

She informed that various medical colleges in the country and abroad have been brought in for the project, and also demonstrated AI healthcare support through AYUSHMA.

The programme was chaired by Dr. C Tetseo, Additional Director of Health and Family Welfare (HFW), SNO, Co-convener, 10BedICU and welcome address delivered by Dr. Akhrie, Nodal Officer, NHAK TeleICU.

The 10-bed intensive care unit (10-bed ICU) hubs launched by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio across 12 districts earlier this year, was one of the best-ever gifts to the people both in terms of quality of equipment and scope of its service, said Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Y Kikheto Sema.

He said the main objective of 10-Bed ICU wards is to help patients in remote and difficult areas access critical healthcare service from specialists in the hub hospital through Tele-ICU.

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