Health official administers a patient during a Maternal and Child Health Awareness Camp held at PHC Singrijan in Chümoukedima on October 9.
Dimapur, October 10 (MExN): Nagaland's health sector witnessed a series of coordinated public health events, workshops, and medical camps across multiple districts focusing on palliative care, maternal-child health, routine immunization, and HPV vaccination.
Longleng: The District Health Society of Longleng observed World Hospice and Palliative Care Day at District Hospital Longleng under the theme "Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care."
Dr Bongau Phom, Nodal Officer for the District Palliative Care Unit, highlighted the role of caregivers, ASHAs, ANMs, and community volunteers, calling for structured training and community participation.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Thungchanpeni Patton emphasized that the annual international event raises awareness for compassionate care across life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart and chronic respiratory diseases, kidney failure, dementia, and chronic liver diseases.
Stressing holistic pain relief spanning physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions, Dr Patton noted that non-health professionals play an essential role when guided by experts, urging collaborative efforts to bridge access gaps.
Chümoukedima: A Maternal and Child Health Awareness Camp was organized at PHC Singrijan focusing on safe motherhood and child health.
Dr Rongsenungla, District Immunization Officer (DIO) for Dimapur, delivered the keynote address emphasizing regular Antenatal Care (ANC) check-ups, timely immunization, adequate nutrition, and the benefits of the HPV vaccine. Vitamin Angels conducted an awareness session on Vitamin A for infection reduction and immunity.
Chaired by Dr Akaholi Chishi (MO AYUSH), the outreach recorded 62 beneficiaries—including 17 pregnant women—with clinical consultations provided by Dr. Yanrenthung Jami (Gynecologist, District Hospital Dimapur) and Dr Sosinle (MO Dhansiripar CHC). The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Singrijan Village Council Chairman Tik Bahadur Chetri.
Mokokchung: Organized by the TATTVA Foundation at Chuchuyimpang Community Hall, a workshop on community engagement for stronger immunization brought together vaccine-hesitant families, village council leaders, Watsu members, and the Chuchuyimpang Baptist Church.
Block Coordinator Shilulepzuk and Deputy CMO Dr Takusunep Ao stressed timely child vaccination. Dr Limanaro, DPO (UIP&RCH), Mokokchung, presented routine immunization benefits and side effects, stressing teamwork among medical personnel and community leaders. Sessions by Moatemsu (Social Welfare Supervisor), Dr Moamongla (MO Mangmetong PHC), and Wapang Imsong (TATTVA Foundation) covered early childhood nutrition and vaccine misconceptions, concluding with a community commitment pledge.
Separately, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was observed under the theme "Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care" at the Conference Hall of IMDH Mokokchung on October 10.
Dr R Alemba Jamir, Senior Specialist at IMDH Mokokchung, emphasized that palliative care encompasses home care alongside hospital settings, reiterating that pain relief is an essential component of quality and compassionate health care rather than a luxury.
Medical Superintendent Dr Alemwabang Aier noted in his address that palliative care extends beyond cancer patients to those suffering from kidney diseases and strokes, aiming to relieve suffering and ease patients. Highlighting that "when cure is less effective, palliative care becomes vital," Dr Aier called for community involvement, active participation from all health centers, and robust support for patient families.
Mon: A district-level coordination workshop to strengthen Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake was held at the DRDA Hall, Mon, bringing together district administration officials, health personnel, Jhpiego representatives, KNSK women's organization, churches, and student bodies.
CMO Dr Supongmenla Walling reported that against a target of 2,235 beneficiaries across 116 conducted sessions, only 54 adolescent girls had been vaccinated. Deputy Commissioner Shri Wennyei Konyak, NCS, and Jhpiego Senior Advisor Raju Tamang underscored parental education, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative strategies to combat low acceptance and prevent cervical cancer.
Separately, a Comprehensive Health Camp was organized at Angchen Village by the Mon District Administration in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). In an official note, Angchen Village VDB Secretary Wanlang N Konyak expressed profound gratitude to BPCL for expanding essential medical access to remote and underserved communities.
