8th Batch CHOs with Dr Avile Zao, MD, NHM and officers of DoHFW at SPMU Hall, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima on July 21.
19 new CHOs trained for upgraded health centres
Kohima, July 21 (MExN): A five-day orientation training for the 8th batch of Community Health Officers (CHOs) under the National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland started at the SPMU Hall, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima on July 21. A total of nineteen CHOs were inducted.
With the induction of the 8th Batch of CHOs, Nagaland will have upgraded 336 Sub-Centres (SCs) to Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs), stated a press release from NHM Nagaland.
During a short inaugural programme, Dr Avile Zao, Mission Director, NHM, emphasised the Government of India’s vision to transform all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub Centres (SCs) into Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) under the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) initiative.
With this up gradation, she noted that with the intervention of CHOs, we see a significant jump in the performance of healthcare delivery across Nagaland. She remarked that CHOs now serve as the primary point of contact at health facilities, taking on expanded roles and greater responsibilities, particularly in the absence of Medical Officers.
Dr Keveduyi Theyo, SPO-NHM, emphasised the critical role of the CHOs as the first point of contact in delivering healthcare at the grassroots. He emphasised that CHOs play a foundational role in the state’s primary healthcare system by effectively bridging the gap between communities and essential health services.
Highlighting the importance of integrity, compassion, and continuous learning, the department assured full support to them. They were also reminded of the importance of cordial relationships, proper documentation, and effective community engagement. He noted that the induction marks not only the beginning of their service but also a commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across Nagaland.
The orientation training will equip newly inducted Community Health Officers (CHOs) with critical knowledge and practical skills to serve as the first point of contact in Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs). The comprehensive training covers a wide range of topics including maternal and child health, non-communicable disease screening, communicable disease control, adolescent and elderly care, palliative support, ENT issues, government health schemes, and digital tools for health service delivery.
With sessions led by domain experts across NHM, the program aims to strengthen primary healthcare services and enhance community-level interventions through well-prepared CHOs.
