(Left) An inside view of the newly inaugurated COVID-19 Hospital at District Hospital Dimapur. (Right) Minister of H&FW, S Pangnyu Phom, along with dignitaries and health workers at the inauguration of 50-bedded COVID-19 Hospital at District Hospital Dimapur on Monday. (Morung Photo)
50-bedded COVID-19 Hospital inaugurated
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 28
In a major boost to the ailing health care infrastructure in Nagaland, a 50-bedded COVID-19 Hospital was inaugurated at District Hospital Dimapur on Monday.
The hospital, funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation, Denmark, was completed in record three months through joint effort and collaboration of various stakeholders including Counsellor Innovation Royal Danish embassy, New Delhi, office of Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, C-Camp Bengaluru and others.
Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom, who formally inaugurated the new hospital, termed the inauguration of the hospital as a “significant day” as for the past two years, the state has been pressing all its workforce, facilities and resources to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have lost many good lives and everything was badly affected by this unprecedented virus. However, we have never given up our fight in this battle which is still on,” the minister said.
Pangnyu acknowledged that during these hard times, many companies, organisations and well wishers had come forward to contribute medical equipments and numerous assistances to the Medical department and the State in general.
He said the COVID-19 hospital is one of the most required and needed facility to cater to people's needs with all the advanced equipment in place which will enable timely care and proper treatment. He expressed gratitude to the Novo Nordisk Foundation for the philanthropic funding in providing such a well-equipped Hospital and appreciated the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India for selecting Dimapur District for the Mega Project.
Minister Pangnyu further informed that with an objective to assist and to provide better health facilities in the State, three new districts hospitals buildings would be set up at Zunheboto, Noklak and Longleng district.
Meanwhile, Director, Health Services, Dr K Vikato Kinimi in his introductory note said the hospital became a reality with support from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, C-CAMP Bengaluru and Invest India through AGNli Mission, under the guidance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India. He said that the institution would serve the people of Nagaland and assured to take good care of the hospital.
Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan said that Dimapur, being the gateway to Nagaland, is one of the most vulnerable districts. He said the commercial hub with its high density of population recorded the maximum number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. However, with combined efforts of the district task force, various government departments and civil societies, the pandemic had been tackled to a large extent, the DC added.
Ambassador, Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi, Freddy Svane also gave a virtual address on the occasion.
A host of dignitaries including Counsellor Innovation, Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi, Jakob William Oerberg; Chief Technology Officer, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Mudit Naryan; Uttam Bhattacharyya representing C-Camp and others also addressed the inaugural event.
Chief Medical Officer Dimapur, Dr I Moatemjen chaired the programme and Medical Superintendent, DHD, Dr Khrielasanuo proposed vote of thanks.
