Noklak gets dedicated GPS-enabled mobile medical unit

Kohima, July 24 (MExN): The Nagaland Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW) on Friday launched a GPS-enabled Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) for Noklak district to improve access to primary healthcare in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Supported under TATA AIG General Insurance Company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the unit will function as a Mobile Ayushman Arogya Mandir, providing Primary Health Centre (PHC) services and essential healthcare packages at the community level.

Representing TATA AIG, Madhukar Sinha and Devang Pandya said the MMU is the third such unit supported by the company in Nagaland and coincides with the insurer's 25th anniversary. They said the initiative forms part of the company's CSR efforts to improve healthcare and education while creating sustainable social impact in underserved regions.

Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Anoop Khinchi, who attended the launch as the special guest, underscored the importance of preventive healthcare and public awareness. He called for greater efforts to educate communities on healthy lifestyles and the impact of dietary habits on overall well-being.

Officials from Swasti, Joseph Julian and P Bhoopathy, described the initiative as a long-term commitment rather than a one-time intervention, saying it would bring life-saving healthcare services to people living in Nagaland's difficult terrain. They added that the programme is supported with medical equipment worth around Rs 20-22 lakh across six districts.

National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director Dr Keveduyi Theyo described the launch as a milestone for Noklak district, noting that residents would now have access to a dedicated mobile healthcare service free of cost. He said the district had previously depended on a mobile medical unit shared with neighbouring Tuensang district.

Short speeches were also delivered by Tuensang Chief Medical Officer Dr Imlitemsu Ozukum, Khiamniungan Union Kohima president Dr Thanghoi Lam and DHFW Secretary S Tainiu, who thanked all stakeholders for supporting the initiative and acknowledged the collective efforts that made the project possible.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Neikule of The Entrepreneurs Associates, followed by the ceremonial flagging off of the Mobile Medical Unit by the dignitaries.