A high-level Common Review Mission team from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted a comprehensive four-day assessment of healthcare services Zunheboto district from November 2 to 5.
Zunheboto, November 6 (MExN): A high-level Common Review Mission (CRM) team from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted a comprehensive four-day assessment of healthcare services in Nagaland’s Zunheboto district from November 2 to 5.
The 17th CRM, a nationwide monitoring mechanism under the National Health Mission (NHM), aimed to evaluate the ground-level implementation of health schemes and identify areas for improvement.
The central team was led by Dr Sushil Kumar Vimal, Deputy Commissioner (NUHM), and included experts from AIIMS Bibinagar and specialists in child health, finance, and research. They were accompanied by senior officials from the Nagaland Health Department, including Joint Director Dr Nukshisangla Jamir and Deputy Director Dr Kheshika Yepthomi.
At a reception programme on November 2, Dr Kuotsutho, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Zunheboto, stated that the CRM visit reflects the Government of India's “continued commitment to strengthening the healthcare system.” He highlighted the district's “notable progress” in Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Immunization, and Community Participation, attributing it to the collective efforts of the health team.
Dharam Raj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, reaffirmed the district administration's full support and collaboration with the health department in all its initiatives.
Representing civil society, Dr Vihuto T Assumi, President of Sumi Hoho, described the visit as a “boon to the district.” While acknowledging gaps in healthcare infrastructure, he expressed optimism that the CRM would help bridge them. He appealed to the authorities for the proper implementation of health schemes, improved infrastructure at the District Hospital, and the early operationalisation of the approved Nursing School in Zunheboto to generate employment and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
Outlining the mission's objective, Team Leader Dr Sushil Kumar Vimal stated that the visit was “primarily fact-finding” and intended to “act as a facilitator.” He emphasized the team's role in identifying barriers, suggesting feasible solutions, and highlighting innovative practices that could be replicated across the country.
During the intensive field visit, the CRM team assessed various health units under the Aspirational Block Akuhaito, as well as in Aghunato and Suruhuto blocks. In the district headquarters, the team inspected the District Hospital and the Chief Medical Officer's office, accompanied by Anoop Khinchi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the state's Health & Family Welfare Department.
The visit culminated in a de-briefing meeting on November 6. Dr Sushil Kumar presented the team's key observations and commended the “dedication and motivation” of the district officials and staff in overcoming challenges.
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj appreciated the CRM's insights and directed the district to conduct regular review meetings and act on the recommendations.
Speaking for the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Nukshisangla Jamir thanked the central team and urged district officials to prepare a detailed Action Taken Report based on the CRM's feedback.
Concluding on behalf of the district, Dr Antoly Suu, Deputy CMO, assured that the health department would consolidate all findings, prepare a comprehensive Action Plan, and submit it to the State Health Society for implementation.
The 17th CRM's visit to Zunheboto is part of the Centre's ongoing efforts to ensure equality, equity, and quality in healthcare delivery under the National Health Mission.
