Kohima: Naga Hospital Authority Kohima is officially moving to secure the licenses required for organ transplantation. Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director of the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, announced the effort on August 3 during Indian Organ Donation Day. The event took place at the NHAK Auditorium in partnership with the MOHAN Foundation and the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation.
Transplants are not yet performed in Nagaland. Officials are currently building the infrastructure and professional training needed to support the program. Dr. Senlem noted, "we are beginning at an important stage in our journey towards strengthening organ donation and transplantation services."
The scale of the need is immense. Dr. Vikieo Khroumo, a nephrologist at NHAK, reported that 750 patients in Nagaland rely on regular hemodialysis. Across Northeast India, nearly 5,000 people require the same treatment. Currently, any resident needing a kidney transplant must leave the state for the procedure. Dr. Khroumo emphasized that while dialysis sustains life, a transplant provides the best chance for a healthy future.
National data shows about 90,000 people in India are waiting for an organ, while only 20,000 transplants took place in 2025. Dr. Khroumo stated that behind every session, there is a family waiting and hoping for a kidney. The event, held under the theme Stories of Hope, Gifts of Life, featured testimonials from transplant recipients and living donors including Neibalie Rio, Colo Mero, and Tekhe.
Authorities are calling for a public shift in perspective. Dr. Senlem argued that awareness must grow within families, workplaces, and places of worship to dispel myths. Government officials and local partners continue to work toward a goal of making organ donation an embraced, common act of humanity throughout the state.
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