Aizawl: Dr Vanlalsiama Chhangte, Medical Director of Ebenezer Medical Center in Mizoram, has become the first recipient in India of the US Consulate Kolkata’s Citizen Liaison Volunteer of the Year Award, recognising his contribution to the treatment and care of US citizens in the state.
The award was presented by US Vice Consul Warren Newton at Hotel Regency in Aizawl on September 8. It included a certificate signed by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and a memento.
Representatives of the US Consulate Kolkata said the award was being presented for the first time in India, making Chhangte its inaugural recipient.
The recognition follows the treatment of Collin Mayfield, an American freelance journalist and war correspondent who was seriously injured while reporting from Myanmar’s Chin State.
Mayfield stepped on a landmine on November 18, 2025, while accompanying a People’s Defence Force (PDF)-Zoland column near Mount Kennedy in Tedim Township. The blast severely injured his left foot and leg.
Mayfield later told EastMojo that he lost two toes and part of his left foot, besides sustaining shrapnel injuries to his right leg and left hand.
He was subsequently brought to Mizoram for medical treatment and spent around a month at Ebenezer Medical Center.
Mayfield has reported from several conflict zones, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, gang violence in Haiti, Boko Haram and the Islamic State conflict. He had also been documenting the resistance movement in Chin State and produced a three-part documentary series, The Chin Resistance, released on Qilo TV.
‘This award belongs to the hospital’
Accepting the award, Chhangte said he regarded the recognition as an honour for the entire Ebenezer Medical Center team rather than for himself alone.
He credited the hospital’s ambulance drivers, nurses, doctors, administrative staff and other personnel for working together to provide care to US citizens requiring medical assistance.
Chhangte said the hospital’s mission was “Transforming Lives through Healthcare” and that its services were extended to patients regardless of their financial status or nationality.
He also noted that doctors and nurses rarely receive such recognition and expressed appreciation to the US Consulate for acknowledging their work.
Chhangte said Ebenezer Medical Center would continue contributing to the development of healthcare services in Mizoram.
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