Paiwang Konyak urges the Centre to modernise Nagaland's health infrastructure and review NHM funding norms.
DIMAPUR — Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, has urged the Centre to enhance support for the state’s healthcare sector, including the modernisation of ageing infrastructure, region-specific budgeting under centrally sponsored schemes, and a review of the National Health Mission (NHM) resource allocation formula.
Addressing the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health & Family Welfare in New Delhi on June 29, Paiwang highlighted Nagaland’s efforts to build an equitable, resilient and accessible healthcare system and placed several key concerns before the council.
The minister sought central assistance for the modernisation and upgrade of health infrastructure at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, particularly in view of the first batch of MBBS students from the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), who are expected to graduate in 2028.
He also advocated for region-specific budgeting under centrally sponsored schemes to account for the higher construction and logistical costs in hilly and remote states.
Further, he called for a review of the NHM resource allocation formula, urging that greater weightage be given to factors such as terrain, remoteness, population dispersion and the minimum cost required to sustain essential health services, rather than relying predominantly on population figures.
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Appealing to the Union government in the spirit of cooperative federalism and equitable development, Paiwang expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen India’s collective commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
According to a DIPR report, the conference was attended by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, JP Nadda, and Health & Family Welfare ministers from various states and union territories.
Paiwang acknowledged the continued support extended by the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister JP Nadda towards strengthening healthcare services in Nagaland.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all.