Health dept making best efforts to improve healthcare: Paiwang

March 26, 2025 4 Views No Comment

Nagaland’s Kayakalp awardees recognized for healthcare excellence

Morung Express news
Kohima | March 26

Minister of Health and Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak on Tuesday maintained that the department is making its best efforts in improving healthcare delivery system in the State and is continuously reviewing performance and progress at different levels.

Speaking at an event held the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in Kohima to felicitate Kayakalp: ‘A Clean Hospital Initiative’ awardees for the year 2023–24 and 2024-25, the Minister stressed the importance of continuous progress in healthcare services and highlighted issues that the government is addressing. He emphasized that the Kayakalp Award serves as both recognition and motivation for health workers to enhance the quality of services.

Konyak acknowledged concerns regarding healthcare system infrastructure and assured that he would visit all districts where inspections are pending. He also pointed out the need for inspection and review of OPD performances in district hospitals and healthcare centres.

The Minister also discussed various administrative challenges and urged officers to take bold steps toward systematic change. Despite frequent criticism of the department, Konyak affirmed that the department is consistently progressing in the right direction. He encouraged officials to approach him with concerns and called for an emphasis on transparency, approachability, and collaboration to better serve the public.

Citing critical issues affecting healthcare delivery, Konyak noted that some of the biggest challenges include manpower shortages, mismanagement of facilities, unequal resource distribution, and non-functional PHCs and sub-centres due to a lack of doctors and nurses. He questioned accountability in these matters, asking whether the fault lies with the public or stakeholders.

The event was chaired by Dr Mereninla Senlem, State Program Officer for the National Health Mission (NHM) Nagaland, while Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director of NHM, gave the closing remarks. A short experience-sharing session was conducted by representatives of award-winning health centres.