A view of Anava Hospital, located in Settsü village, about 10 kilometres from Mokokchung district headquarters.
Yarden Jamir
Mokokchung | March 16
In a region where specialised healthcare remains out of reach for many due to cost and accessibility, Anava Hospital in Mokokchung has been working to bridge this gap since its opening on August 1, 2023.
Located in Settsü village, about 10 kilometres from Mokokchung district headquarters, the hospital—described as a “labour of love” by its founders, husband-and-wife duo Dr Sungtiakum Jamir and Dr Nadia Jamir—has quickly been drawing patients from across the region.
Founders’ Mission
A native of Changki village in Mokokchung, Dr Sungtiakum studied MBBS at Assam Medical College, Vellore, before undertaking DNB (Diploma in National Board) in Rural Surgery, from the Herbertpur Christian Hospital (HCH) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Dr Nadia Jamir, originally from Switzerland, completed her MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) at the University of Bern, specialising in gynaecology and obstetrics.
The couple worked in various hospitals across India and Europe before founding Anava, which means "humility and gentleness" in Hebrew, as Dr Nadia explained during its inauguration, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare to underserved communities.
“We wanted to provide services that truly cater to the local community, and I believe we have been able to do that,” shared Dr Sungtiakum.
The hospital officially opened its outpatient department (OPD) on August 2, a day after its inauguration, and has since registered over 7,000 patients, in addition to a higher number of consultations and follow-ups.
Apart from Mokokchung district, Longleng, Tuensang, and Zunheboto districts form the second-largest patient base, while others travel from Dimapur, Kohima, and Assam, Anava’s records indicate.
Addressing gaps
Nagaland’s healthcare sector faces significant challenges, with public hospitals struggling with a shortage of specialists and equipment, while private healthcare remains costly and concentrated in urban areas. In Mokokchung, Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital (IMDH) also grapples with resource and workforce shortages, concerns repeatedly raised by groups like Ao Senden and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM).
Addressing these gaps, Anava’s initially OPD-focused services have gradually expanded to inpatient care to meet growing community needs, particularly in obstetrics and surgery.
An X-ray department became operational a few months after launch, followed by functional labour rooms. In early 2024, operation theatres were opened, facilitating keyhole surgeries in general surgery and gynaecology.
The hospital has also introduced specialised services such as laparoscopic surgery, advanced gynaecology, and fertility treatments—many of which were previously unavailable in the region.
“We expect to expand inpatient services even further in the coming months,” Dr Sungtiakum stated.
Unlike most private hospitals, Anava follows a welfare model, ensuring affordable yet high-quality care.
“Many patients delay treatment because they assume they can’t afford it or have nowhere to go. Our goal is to change that by making healthcare accessible and reducing the need for long-distance referrals,” he added.
To support its expansion and address the need for specialised professionals, Anava recently welcomed another husband-and-wife duo, Dr Ngukato Rochill and Dr Sonia Nenkar Rochill.
Dr Ngukato, a general and minimal access surgeon, completed his postgraduate training at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and previously served as a Senior Resident at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, where he led the surgical critical care unit.
Dr Sonia, who holds a Master of Surgery in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, has also completed a fellowship in reproductive and fertility medicine from Wing IVF Academy (Parul University), Ahmedabad. She specialises in reproductive and fertility medicine.
Patients’ Experiences
Patients have shared positive experiences so far. Being a welfare hospital, treatment rates at Anava are ‘very affordable,’ according to Moatemjen Longkumer, Village Council Chairman of Settsü village.
He highlighted that villagers receive timely and excellent care, and many who previously travelled far for treatment are now being correctly diagnosed and successfully treated at Anava. He also noted the employment opportunities the hospital has created for locals and affirmed the village’s continued support.
“I had been to different places, even Guwahati, but was left hopeless. Many recommended Anava, where I was given multiple options and renewed hope,” shared Akala Kichu from Chümoukedima, recounting her fertility treatment.
“Though IVF was unavailable, the hospitality and treatment were unmatched. The cleanliness, attentive staff, and caring doctors made a lasting impression,” she added.
Challenges and Future Vision
Despite its progress, Anava faces several challenges, with staffing shortages—particularly of trained midwives and junior doctors—being a key concern.
A shortage of local healthcare professionals adds to the difficulty. “If more trained professionals from the community chose to serve, many of these issues could be addressed,” Dr Sungtiakum noted.
There are also persistent logistical hurdles, especially in transporting and installing medical equipment.
Financially, Anava operates on a charitable model, managing day-to-day costs. However, larger investments, such as acquiring a CT scan, an additional ultrasound machine, or equipment for operating theatres, require substantial funding from well-wishers and community support, he noted.
“Hospitals like Anava cannot function without community backing,” Dr Sungtiakum underscored.
Looking ahead, Anava has ambitious plans. In the short term, it aims to construct more private rooms, expand diagnostics with mammography, colposcopy, and non-invasive kidney stone treatment, and launch the endoscopy unit soon.
Over the next three to five years, the hospital plans to establish an infertility unit for IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) and strengthen emergency services. Potential new departments include Anaesthesia and Neonatology/Paediatrics to provide specialised care for newborns and children.
Bureaucratic delays remain another challenge.
According to Dr Sungtiakum, Anava applied for registration at its inception but was able to meet with the Department of Health and Family Welfare only recently. “These delays can be frustrating, and faster processing would benefit the entire community,” he added.
Reflecting on the journey, he said the impact on the community makes every effort worthwhile, despite the demanding physical, financial, and mental challenges.
When asked what keeps them motivated, he pointed to two key factors: their Christian faith, which drives them to serve as an embodiment of Christ’s love, and their passion for challenges and adventure.
“We have lived in developed countries and seen what they offer, but we also appreciate the community and lifestyle here. Our desire to serve remains unchanged,” he added.
Dr Sungtiakum also encouraged medical professionals from the region to return and contribute to healthcare, emphasising that lasting change depends on those with exposure to the outside world choosing to come back.
He further underscored the power of prayer, calling it “the greatest mover of change, transformation, and development.”
Note:
The report has been updated to reflect the correct the name of institutes where Dr Sungtiakum studied.
