Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Kiphire, flags off bike ambulances under SBI CSR initiative

KIPHIRE — Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, visited District Hospital Kiphire on Thursday and flagged off bike ambulances under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the State Bank of India (SBI).

The formal programme at the District Hospital was chaired by Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare.

Dr. Watsutho Nyuthe, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, presented a brief report on the hospital’s progress and challenges.

As part of the CSR contribution, medical equipment worth INR 5.81 lakh for the Blood Bank and equipment worth INR 59 lakh for the District Hospital were handed over by SBI.

Additionally, five bike ambulances for Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Kiphire district worth INR 20 lakh were presented by SBI.

Also, SIDBI showcased five multi-utility bike ambulances to enhance medical outreach in remote areas. The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Rajesh Kumar, DMD, SBI; Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education; and officials from the district administration.

In her address, Sitharaman thanked the state government, district administration, and medical team for their warm welcome and said that her visit aimed to hand over CSR-supported projects to strengthen healthcare facilities in Kiphire.

During her interaction with hospital staff, Sitharaman was apprised of the shortage of human resources and the fact that the district depends solely on the government hospital, with no private hospital available.

She expressed concern for the Aspirational District and encouraged the state and district authorities to continue working towards its development and progress.

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Dr. R Wapang Imchen, Chief Medical Officer of Kiphire, expressed gratitude on behalf of the department of Health and Family Welfare. He thanked officials from Delhi, the state government, civil society organisations, the medical team, and all participants.

Later in the evening, a cultural programme was organised in honour of Sitharaman at the 14th NAP (IR) Battalion, Kiphire, where various colourful cultural performances were showcased.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed the Finance Minister to the state in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “We look forward to her valuable insights and guidance in further strengthening our developmental initiatives and economic growth. I wish her a pleasant stay in Nagaland,” he wrote.

The state Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) informed that a public programme will be held on November 14 at the public ground in Kiphire.

Our correspondent

Longtili Sangtam