Kohima: The Nagaland Association of Community Health Officers gathered in Wokha on October 8 for their 2026 Biennial General Meeting. The event centered on the theme United for Health, Committed for Community. Discussions targeted the daily struggles of mid-level healthcare providers and the push to bolster local medical support.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Dr. Chumben Murry, spoke to the crowd. He linked the growth of community-based medicine to the 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration and the National Health Policy. Dr. Murry praised the workers for their local expertise. He said, "Commitment to healthcare should extend beyond hospitals and clinics." He pushed for stronger coordination with Accredited Social Health Activists to better serve residents.
NACHO president Arensenla Longkumer identified pressing health trends. Children face regular cases of fever, cough, and diarrhoea. Older patients frequently report hypertension, while many women and lactating mothers struggle with anaemia. Skin ailments and injuries remain common complaints. Longkumer also warned about recent deaths linked to spurious liquor. She noted that her association has developed standard operating procedures and partnered with local churches to boost public awareness.
The association hit the government with a list of demands. NACHO vice president Nevelu Nyekha called for the immediate regularisation of all CHO positions. If the state refuses to grant permanent status, he urged officials to merge existing salaries with Performance-Based Incentive pay. Nyekha also requested more staff to handle heavy workloads and better equipment for underfunded Health and Wellness Centres.
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