Nagaland's Health and Family Welfare Minister P.Longon inaugurated a 10-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital adjacent to the Dimapur District Civil Hospital on Tuesday, marking another milestone towards improving the healthcare delivery system in the state.
"The implementation of the National Ayush Mission in the state is a milestone in the healthcare delivery system and would definitely benefit the people," Longon said.
He further said that with new diseases,especially non-communicable diseases and occupational-related diseases surfacing, the AYUSH system of medicine has a significant role to play in delivering healthcare to the masses.
Calling for a fresh look on the ancient system of medicine, Longon said AYUSH is cost effective, and therefore, very suitable for an economically poor state like Nagaland.
"Let us remind ourselves that unlike other states, we have a much better advantage for the development of the AYUSH system of medicine, as we have fresh air, fresh water, less pollution and our soil is rich in medicinal plants and herbs, which serve as raw materials for manufacturing and production of AYUSH drugs," Longon said.
The minister further requested the state health and family welfare department to proceed for the signing of a MoU as well as to write to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to provide manpower so the people of the state can avail AYUSH services at the earliest.
State programme officer, AYUSH, Dr. Atoshe Sema, who presented a report on the newly inaugurated AYUSH Hospital, said that the State Health Society had received a sanction of Rs. 254 lakhs under the centrally sponsored scheme for development of AYUSH hospital and dispensaries under the National Rural Health Mission-2011-12 as a non-recurring grant for the setting up of a 10-bedded Integrated AYUSH hospital in Dimapur.
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Dr. Sema also informed that the state's share of 15 percent (Rs. 38.10 lakhs) was yet to be released.
He further informed that presently, the state health and family welfare department has only six regular AYUSH medical officers.
The state programme officer requested the state government to consider creation of posts and appointment of technical personnel and supporting staff for effective deliverance of the alternation system of medicines in the state.
Mission director, National Health Mission Nagaland, Dr. Nandira Chankija, delivered the welcome address.
