The upgraded Phek District Hospital which was inaugurated on January 30. (DIPR Photo)
Still a huge gap in health infrastructure: Health Minister
PHEK, JANUARY 30 (MExN): The newly upgraded district hospital building in Phek was inaugurated today by Minister for Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom.
The hospital has been upgraded from its earlier 75 beds capacity to 100 beds capacity. Over the years, an aging building and lack of proper infrastructure prevented the hospital from functioning effectively.
The proposal for upgrading the hospital was sanctioned in March, 2011 with a total amount of Rs. 21.55 crores.
The project included construction of hospital building with an approximate build-up area of 24,631 sqft, essential equipment, basic amenities, as well as construction of eights units of staff quarters and mortuary.
Health Minister, S Pangnyu Phom stated that the health sector in the state has been steadily progressing to a large extent in the recent past, especially with interventions under the National Health Mission as indicated by certain key health indicators such as low infant mortality rates and maternal mortality rates.
“However, the health infrastructure gap is still huge and with the limited state resources it will be difficult to achieve the National Health goals, unless available resources are utilized effectively and efficiently,” he said.
The Minister therefore called upon all sections of society and the civil organizations to “re-commit our relentless support towards the communitization policy of the State Government for strengthening of public institutions and services through active participation to promote accountability, transparency and people friendly services.”
He meanwhile said that the upgradation of the Phek District Hospital has been made possible “through the unwavering commitment and efforts of the PDA Government under the dynamic leadership of Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland.”
The Minister also appreciated Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, JP Nadda for understanding “our problems and the sincere commitment towards upliftment of the state.”He sought continuous support from the Government of India to make Nagaland state a hub for healthcare.
He further assured that the PDA government is committed to improve the health scenario of the state in order to enable all citizens to lead a healthy and productive life. To achieve this goal, he said, the present government has initiated various measures to strengthen the health care delivery system in the state.
The welcome address for the inauguration ceremony was delivered by I Himato Zhimomi, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare who asked citizens of Phek district to take ownership of the hospital.
