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Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 27 (EMN): In what will boost Nagaland’s health infrastructure, 24 ambulances with high-end basic life support equipment donated by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) through corporate social responsibility (CSR) were flagged off at Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during a brief flag-off programme, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the NHIDCL for the various initiatives undertaken for the people of the state and exuded hope that they would continue to do the same.
He added that the NHIDCL’s help through CSR would go a long way in building trust and relation among the people from the north-eastern states.
Rio maintained that unlike other states that generate huge tax for the state as well as Central governments via industries, factories, and manufacturing firms, Nagaland does not have the same privilege though it receives its shares of central taxes.
He viewed that NHIDCL’s contribution to the north-eastern states through its CSR, particularly during the onslaught of the second wave of Covid-19 in the country, would boost the region’s growth and development.
He added that ‘poor and resource-crunch state like Nagaland needs the support of not only the central government but also the business community through corporate social responsibility’.
He asserted that the highly-equipped life-saving ambulances would serve the people and exuded confidence that it would save the lives of many people.
Further, he acknowledged the doctors, nurses and other supporting staff for their effort in 'working very hard and handling the Covid-19 professionally’ and expressed hope that they would continue to serve the people.
He also expressed confidence that the newly launched ambulances would come ‘handy for the healthcare workers and used in health sectors’.
Meanwhile, he urged the Health department to maintain and use the old ambulances at primary health centres (PHCs) where such facilities are needed.
Meanwhile, executive director of NHIDCL, MS Deol said the company conceived the vision to make Nagaland one the ‘best connected states of the country’ in a short time frame with continued proactive support from the state.
He also highlighted various initiatives taken up by the NHIDCL in the last eleven months- towards social uplift by means of skill development programmes in Phek, Dimapur and Peren district; distribution of 94,000 free flavoured milk bottle to government school children in Kohima and Dimapur; and installation of nine bore-well for drinking water in remote villages of Mokokchung and Longleng.
Earlier, in his introductory address, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru informed that the state had 80 ambulances, out of which 50% was outdated. He added that the launch of 24 ambulances would boost the state’s healthcare services.
The official informed that the ambulances were equipped with oxygen, cardiac monitor, with full AC, and power backup among other life-saving equipment.
He added that the vehicled were being distributed to all the 12 districts of the state and other important health units.
Dr. Medikhru also informed that 1 lakh vaccines arrived in the state on Monday and it would be sufficient for the second dose of vaccination.
He added that the next consignment of the vaccine would arrive as per the utility of the state.