Tobu community health centre gets new CBNAAT machine

DIMAPUR, MAY 23 (MExN): The newly installed Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machine at Tobu Community Health Centre (CHC) was inaugurated by Dr Vizolie Suokhrie, Director, Health and family Welfare today in the presence of Dr Kevichusa Medikhru, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM).

A new doctor sponsored by Bongkhao, Advisor, DUDA and a lab technician through ECS for the health centre was also officially introduced during the function. 

A press release informed that the CBNAAT machine was funded by Temjen Toy; under the Chief Secretary’s special fund and subsidised under the Clinton Foundation Fund, in a collective participation of the community, the government department, the local MLA and an NGO.

Representatives from the community, TASU and ECS presented the challenges with regard to functioning of health centers and also highlighted some of the initiatives undertaken by TASU, ECS and the community. 

A case study on Changlangshu Primary Health Center (PHC) was presented to showcase how ECS and the community supported by the NHM developed the PHC into an award winning PHC in just eight months. The PHC was activated in august 2018 after an additional doctor and a nurse was deployed with support from HCL Foundation. 

Chongsen, Associate Director, ECS also presented a list of proposals to the department, including provision of additional nurses, work bank support for a list of health centers and provision of one ambulance each for Mon, Tuensang and Longleng districts. 

Dr. Vizole in his speech expressed his happiness to see the involvement exhibited by TASU and the community and emphasized that community involvement at the grassroots is crucial for success of any government programmes. He further stated that the department will provide support for carrying out renovation works including the development of a water storage system. 

He also asked for a list of equipments needed at the CHC. He reminded that the CHC is supported by the Nagaland Health Project (World Bank) and encouraged the HCMC, Tobu to ensure that the performance target laid out in the action plan are met.

Dr Kevichusa Medikhru, MD, NHM also highlighted the problem of finding willing doctors and nurses for remote areas such as Tobu and requested the community to provide application of doctors and nurses who are from the region. He also said that the department has earmarked an ambulance for Mon district, which will be outsourced for effective service delivery.