NHM next phase will focus on AI, e-Health integration: Dr Moktan

Training underway for lab technicians on free diagnostic services

KOHIMA, JULY 3 (MExN): A one-day training programme on Free Diagnostic Services for Laboratory Technicians under the state commenced in two batches at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, on July 3. The training is being conducted in collaboration with the Regional Resource Centre – North East (RRC-NE), Guwahati.

Speaking during the inaugural session, Dr Raj Prabha Moktan, Director, RRC-NE, emphasised the critical role of laboratory services in both clinical and preventive public healthcare. She stated that improving lab services must be a priority and that RRC-NE is committed to supporting capacity building in this domain.

Dr Moktan also noted that the next phase of the National Health Mission (2025–2030) will focus on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and e-Health technologies, which will also require lab services to evolve accordingly. She encouraged the state to expand lab services across health facilities in alignment with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS).

Appreciating the state’s progress, she cited Nagaland’s low Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 7 (SRS 2022), lower incidence of anaemia among pregnant women compared to national figures, and 78 per cent functional Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), of which 83 per cent are providing all mandated services. She also acknowledged the strong community engagement in health and the state's lead in National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification, expressing confidence that 50 per cent of the state's health units will be certified by 2025 and 100 per cent by December 2026. She further appreciated the rational transfer and posting policy in place.

Principal Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mereninla Senlem, expressed gratitude to RRC-NE for its consistent support to Nagaland, especially the aspirational districts. Highlighting the critical role of laboratory technicians, she said accurate diagnosis directly impacts effective treatment. She encouraged participants to enhance their skills through such trainings and informed that the State Paramedical Institute has started a B.Sc. programme in Medical Laboratory Technology for career progression.

Dr Avile Zao, Mission Director, NHM Nagaland, welcomed the officials, trainers and participants and urged the technicians to actively engage in the training. She said skilled lab professionals are vital for quality diagnostics and overall healthcare delivery.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Sentimeren Aonok, Director, DoHFW, stressed the importance of accessible, affordable and quality healthcare. He thanked RRC-NE and the NHM Nagaland team for initiating the training.

The programme was chaired by Dr Keveduyi Theyo, State Programme Officer, NHM Nagaland. An overview of the Free Diagnostic Service Initiative (FDSI) was presented by Dr Manyau Phom, Deputy Director, NHM.

The training will be conducted in two batches. On July 3, technicians from Mon, Noklak, Peren, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto and Longleng districts attended the session, while participants from Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung and Kiphire will be trained on July 4.

Topics covered include FDSI, Internal Quality Control, External Quality Assurance Scheme (EQAS), and hands-on training. Resource persons include Bhaswat Kumar Das, Senior Consultant, RRC-NE; Pumani Kalita, Consultant, CP-CPHC (RRC-NE); personnel from Trimed, the agency with which NHM has an MoU for medical equipment maintenance; and OEM representatives.