Nagaland’s first medical college begins its journey with induction of students

KOHIMA — The academic block of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) at Phriebagei, Kohima, came alive on Friday as the first batch of MBBS students were inducted into the institute for the maiden academic session 2023-24.

The induction programme was followed by an orientation and an interaction between the faculty and students.

Nagaland Chief Secretary J Alam, special guest of the event, said the day marks the start of a transformative journey that will share the future of the state and beyond.

It’s a memorable moment for the state, that the vision of having its own medical college is becoming a reality, he told the gathering.

Recalling the challenges faced over the years, he said, ‘One year ago, we could not have imagined that we would actually be starting classes from the current academic year.’

He acknowledged the constant support of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Health minister towards the institute, and lauded everyone involved in taking the state’s first medical college to where it is now.

The medical college was initiated with a ‘great vision’ to make it a centre of excellence, so that students become excellent doctors in their fields and serve humanity, he said.

This is just the beginning and many more things are still to be done but the pace of change and progress is visible, he said while expressing confidence in solving all the problems in a short time.

To the students, he said they would go down in history as the first MBBS batch at NIMSR and their decision to pursue medicine is a noble pursuit. He also encouraged them to remember that every sacrifice they make will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals.

Speaking at the event, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Ritu Thurr, told the students to remember, as they embark on a new adventure, that nothing comes in life without struggle. He urged them to have a desire, as that is the inner force or motivation to achieve one’s goals and objectives; focus on their responsibility, work hard and be committed in their fields.

Director-cum-dean of NIMSR, Professor Dr. Soumya Chakraborty said in her introduction and welcome address that it is just the beginning of the journey. She expressed hope that the journey be seen as blessed, and with no troubles because once a college is set up, it is for years.

‘Let us see that this college gains a reputation as one of the best colleges in our motherland,’ she said, adding that there has not been a moment when she felt she didn’t belong to the state.

Dr. Mhashevisu Sothu, faculty in the department of surgery, expressed hope that the college will be a great success and that students will learn well and become great doctors in the near future.

Earlier, Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihieno, Executive Director of Angami Baptist Church Council, said the dedicatory prayer.

The National Medical Commission, had earlier this year, allowed Nagaland’s first medical college at Phriebagei to take in 100 students for the first academic session.

Out of the allotted 100 seats, 85 are for candidates from Nagaland, which is already being filled, while the admission for the remaining 15 seats under the all India quota is still under process.

Also read: Nagaland’s first medical college to begin classes today