Nagaland Medical College project ‘over delayed’

Union Health Minister to review progress

Morung Express News
Kohima | February 27

Union Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday noted that the Nagaland Medical College project at Phriebagei, Kohima has already been ‘over delayed’ and said he wanted to the review the progress of the project.

Interacting with media personnel at the project site, the Minister said, “The project is already over delayed and as per the government they had their own issues and problems. We are very keen that project should go on at a good pace and that’s why we wanted to review.”

The Minister appeared dismayed by the slow progress of the project whose foundation stone was laid in March 3, 2014 by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. However, he chose to remain optimistic and without going into details, stated that the state government’s ‘issues’ were in the past. “Now you have to forget about the past and think about the future,” he added.

Mention may be made that since the laying of the foundation stone, the delay in completion of the medical college has been attributed to land ownership issues, instability of land and the lack of labour force following the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

The minister further remarked that he was please to see that works have resumed post-COVID, and said that, “They (State Government) have set up a particular date in 2021 as the target.”

He remained optimistic that the project would be completed as per the new target timeline and said that the Minister and Secretary would review the project personally.

“From the Centre, we shall keep in touch with the state government and the Health Ministry will see how it goes further at a faster pace... I look forward to come back again and see that the Medical College is completed as early as possible,” he added.

Addressing concerns on the feasibility of setting up another medical college in Mon when the first medical college is yet to be completed, the Union Minister maintained that the Centre’s intention was to kick start the activities at the earliest possible time and that there should not be any delays in the progress in order to meet the 2022 deadline.

He also informed that Mon was chosen as it lacks medical facilities even after 75 years of Independence. “We want the people there to benefit and avail health care services as well as medical education as early as possible. Simultaneously, we are also trying to improve and strengthen the health sector and wellness centre all over the country including Nagaland,” the Minister stated.

While iterating the government of India’s commitment to improving the health care infrastructure and the health care services all over the country, Dr Vardhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a huge commitment to upscale, upgrade, improve and add on to the existing infrastructure in all sectors in all the North East states. 

“There is a huge focus of all the departments; it is not only about the health sector but issues related to connectivity (road, rail, air) and almost all fronts we want to see NE has as much developments as the rest of the country,” he said.

“We assure you that you will see many more and much better things than you have seen in the last 6-7 years. The future is bright under Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Nagaland. Next year we will ensure that when we celebrate the 75th Independence Day in 2022, we will deliver a new India and new NE,” Dr Vardhan concluded.

Over the course of the day, the Union Minister also visited UPHC Seikhazou, War Cemetery and later proceeded to the Helipad for his journey to Imphal.

Estimated time for completion
As per the signage put up at the Nagaland Medical College site, the state government has set the estimated target for completion of the medical college building and hostel buildings as December 2021.

The estimated date of completion of the residential building (four blocks) and MS residence building was been set as August 2021 and April 2021 respectively; April 30, 2021 for the Dean’s residence; and April 2021 for the sports complex building.

While the initial plan of the Nagaland Medical College to enroll the first batch of students in the 2021-22 academic failed, the government is hopeful to start the session by the next year and the second Medical College, Mon to be functional by 2023-24.