Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman handing over the CSR projects of SBI during her visit to the District Hospital, Kiphire on November 13. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Kiphire | November 13
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today began her three-day visit to Nagaland in the ‘Aspirational District’ of Kiphire by extending support of Rs 64.81 lakh for advanced medical equipment and launching five multi-utility bike ambulances at the District Hospital Kiphire (DHK).
The support, provided under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the State Bank of India (SBI), included medical equipment worth Rs 5.81 lakh for the DHK blood bank and Rs 59 lakh for the general hospital.
The Finance Minister also flagged off the five bike ambulances for Primary Health Centres in Kiphire, valued at Rs 20 lakh, a move described as a significant step toward strengthening last-mile medical access in the region.
A brief review of DHK was presented by Dr Watsutho Nyuthe, Medical Superintendent, Kiphire. During the visit, a nurse shared her experiences and insights from over three decades of dedicated service to the community.
Speaking on the occasion, Sitharaman praised SBI for volunteering and providing critical medical equipment to DHK under its CSR project. She highlighted that modern equipment is essential to address today’s growing medical challenges and to ensure precision in diagnostic and treatment services.
Expressing gratitude to the State government and district administration for the warm welcome, she said her visit to Nagaland was a blessing, giving her the opportunity to witness the beauty of the State firsthand.
She added that while planning the visit to Kiphire required careful preparation, it allowed her to observe the aspirations of the people and implement various CSR projects in the district.
Recalling her past interactions with the State government, she noted that she ensures substantial CSR support is brought to Nagaland during her visits.
Sitharaman was accompanied by Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Nagaland, and other dignitaries.
She later had interaction with “Lakhpati Didi” and leaders of the four tribes of Kiphire district - Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir and Yimkhiung.
To honour her visit, a public programme is scheduled on November 14 at the Public Ground, Kiphire, where she will also inaugurate the Industrial Training Institute. She will later proceed to Kohima.
On November 15, Sitharaman is set to launch the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre in Dimapur.
Earlier in the morning, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, and other cabinet ministers received Finance Minister at the Dimapur airport.
