DIMAPUR, JULY 24 (MExN): A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Apollo Children’s Hospital (ACH), Chennai and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland, for the screening and treatment of congenital heart diseases in children from 0 to 18 years of age.
The MoU was formalised on July 24 at the office chamber of the Mission Director, NHM, in Kohima. The agreement outlines collaboration for organising screening camps in Nagaland, with children identified for further treatment to be referred to Apollo Children’s Hospital, Chennai. Treatment costs will be borne by NHM as per the RBSK model costing norms, while any expenditure beyond the stipulated limits will be covered by the Apollo Hospital Charitable Trust.
As part of the partnership, ACH will also provide free accommodation to one attendant per patient during the child’s treatment in Chennai. Additionally, the hospital will extend training to government doctors in paediatric cardiac surgery and interventions. The MoU also includes the training of support staff to enhance local healthcare capacity.
During the interaction, Dr. Avile Zao, Mission Director, NHM, expressed her appreciation to ACH for their initiative. “This collaboration will benefit the people of Nagaland by improving access to specialized medical care and support services,” she said.
Niranjani S., Unit Head of Apollo Children’s and Women’s Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s positive experiences with similar programmes in Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. She also mentioned plans to introduce teleconsultation services in Nagaland and create future employment opportunities for nurses from the state.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Avile Zao on behalf of NHM and Niranjani S. on behalf of Apollo Children’s Hospital. She was accompanied by D. Rajkumar, Senior Manager, Healthcare Services, ACH. The signing took place in the presence of Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, State Programme Officer (NHM), and other NHM officials.
Earlier, NHM Nagaland had signed MoUs with SKY Hospital and SHIJA Hospitals & Research Institute, Imphal, in 2018, and with Health City Hospital, Guwahati, in 2025 for similar initiatives in heart screening and treatment.
