In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare and infrastructure in Nagaland, Japan has pledged support for the establishment of the first medical college in the state. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently signed a loan agreement with the Government of India, contributing 10,008 million yen out of the total project cost of 13,365 million yen for the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima.
The inauguration of NIMSR took place on October 14, 2023, with Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh L Mandaviya and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio officiating the ceremony. Nagaland, ranked 25th out of 28 states in terms of Goal 3 (Health and Well-being) of the SDGs, faces challenges such as a lack of advanced medical infrastructure, a shortage of physicians, and inaccessibility to health services.
The absence of tertiary medical facilities has been a pressing issue, requiring patients to be referred and transported to out-of-state medical facilities for advanced treatment or testing. With about 1.98 million people set to benefit from the new medical college, the establishment of tertiary care facilities aims to address this gap and improve the overall continuum of care.
Another challenge identified is the shortage of physicians and the need for a robust training system for medical personnel. While the state has nursing schools and a considerable number of nurses, midwives, and community health workers, the first medical college in Nagaland opened its doors only in September 2023. This underscores the importance of establishing a medical college hospital within the state for clinical education and research institutions.
The inaccessibility of health services due to the mountainous terrain, coupled with the uneven distribution of medical facilities between Dimapur and Kohima, further exacerbates the healthcare challenges in the state. With 44% of health facilities located in hilly areas and 28% accessible only by roads prone to landslides, the majority of the state’s medical facilities are not well-served by public transportation networks.
Recognising these challenges, Japan’s support is expected to extend beyond the establishment of the medical college. Joint research and training initiatives in telemedicine, disaster medical care, and elderly care are anticipated to address specific healthcare needs in Nagaland.
In addition to healthcare support, Japan has pledged assistance for infrastructure development in the region. The North East Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project (Phase 7) and (Phase 3) (II) will receive financial aid of 15,561 million yen and 34,537 million yen, respectively.
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These Nagaland Japan projects aim to improve connectivity within the North Eastern Region of India, contributing to regional socio-economic development and aligning with the Indian government’s broader policies for enhanced connectivity domestically and internationally. The initiatives will also strengthen links with neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Bangladesh, making them crucial components of the road sector in India.
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