Kohima: Nagaland officials gathered in Kohima on June 30 to overhaul primary healthcare. The Directorate of Municipal Affairs and the National Health Mission ran the session. They want to use 15th Finance Commission grants to build Urban Health and Wellness Centres. COVID-19 exposed major flaws in the system.
Director of Municipal Affairs Temjenrenla Kechü explained that the centers aim to bring medical help into neighborhoods. She noted, "UHWCs were conceived to provide neighbourhood-level healthcare and basic diagnostic services, reducing the burden on hospitals."
The plan relies on a mix of local and state support. Each new facility gets Rs 25 lakh for construction. Another Rs 3 lakh covers internet and computers. If land is scarce, the state will rent space or upgrade existing buildings. Six new centers are coming this year. These sites will act as the first stop for patients before they head to polyclinics for specialized care.
Dr. Imotemsu, head of the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, warned about the high cost of care. Millions face financial ruin from medical bills. He argued that primary care is the only way to bridge the gap. Officials from the health and rural departments led technical sessions to finalize how the money gets spent on medicine, staff, and daily operations.
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