Minister of Health and Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom along with officials of the Directorate of Health and Family welfare, Nagaland during the launch of Naga Telehealth on September 9. (DIPR Photo)
Pangnyu launches telemedicine platform
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 9
Nagaland launched its very own telemedicine platform called the Naga Telehealth on September 9. Inaugurated by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Pangnyu Phom, Naga Telehealth is a telemedicine platform to help people in remote areas avail easier access to doctors for consultation. It is an initiative of the Government of Nagaland in partnership with USAID NISHTHA-Jhpiego.
In his speech, Phom stated that the Naga Telehealth is an important initiative which will benefit all Nagas, especially given the current pandemic situation. “In such times, telemedicine has emerged as an innovative technology-based solution for service delivery to people in need, especially to those families and communities living in remote areas,” said Phom.
The telemedicine platform will help people living in the remote areas to have access to qualified doctors for general and specialist consultations. According to Phom, the platform will be established across all Health and Wellness Centers in the states through a hub and spoke model to reach the catchment population.
“I am confident that with this important initiative we will be able to ensure that quality, affordable healthcare services reach everyone in Nagaland, irrespective of where they live,” Phom said, while acknowledging the USAID NISHTHA-Jhpiego for supporting Nagaland on the initiative.
"Telemedicine has emerged as an innovative solution for service delivery to people in need. Also, technology platform will also be beneficial for triaging COVID-19 patients, service delivery to non-critical COVID cases as well as to manage essential health care services at primary level," said Dr Medikhru, Mission Director NHM while delivering the keynote address.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought in unprecedented challenges to the health system including disruption of essential healthcare services on a daily basis, where it has restrained people from visiting health facilities for their routine health check-ups, the Telemedicine platform is expected to provide comprehensive primary healthcare in the State, according to Dr Medikhru.
Dr Medikhru informed that the Naga Telehealth service will be provided at the Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). The service will be launch in a phased wise manner and the State is currently rolling out service in 82 Sub Health Centres (SHCs) where citizens will be connected to Medical Officers at PHCs and Districts of Nagaland for general teleconsultation.
There is also a provision of referral and teleconsultation with specialist doctors with support from Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research, Dr Medikhru informed.
Sangita Patel, Director, Health Office USAID in a brief address stated that the initiative will offer a holistic primary health care in Nagaland. Mentioning that the healthcare service is at the front line in understanding the community's need, Patel expressed optimism that the initiative will link these needs together through telemedicine and provide support to all.
Patel also shared that the state will continue to provide the healthcare sector with all essential primary health care concerns. While initiative is expected to provide quality healthcare services to the people, Patel expressed hope that it will be enable the healthcare sector to "better prepare in being able to manage any future public health threats".
