Nagaland Governor inaugurates new PHC building, Ayushman Bhavah Mela

BOTSA — Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan on Friday inaugurated the new Primary Health Centre (PHC) building at Botsa in Kohima district, in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Health Minister P Paiwang Konyak, legislators and officials.

The Ayushman Bhavah Mela (loosely translated as live long) was also held and health cards were distributed to the citizens during the inaugural programme of the new Botsa PHC building.

Terming healthcare as one of the most critical sectors for development, the governor said the PHC at Botsa is a significant milestone in the journey towards providing comprehensive healthcare to the people.

‘Quality healthcare forms the bedrock of any prosperous society and the starting point is Primary Health Centre,’ he added.

He also called for a collective effort from governmental bodies, healthcare providers and the public to make the dream of “health for all” a reality, which is the true essence of the Ayushman Bhavah campaign.

“I stand before you today, not just as the governor of this beautiful state of Nagaland but as a fellow citizen and someone who shares your dreams and visions for a healthier and more prosperous society,” he told the gathering.

He lauded the Health and Family Welfare department, village authorities and volunteers for their tireless efforts in making the health campaign a reality.

‘Our goal is not only to cure diseases but to promote a culture of wellness. Our endeavour should be directed towards providing preventive and curative health solutions efficiently. Our guiding principle is simple- Prevention is better than cure,’ he said.

Reiterating that the people cannot be complacent, he said a one-day health me can do much to help the immediate health of the community and that it should be an ongoing responsibility to improve health policies, train more doctors and other health professionals, and educate more people about their health and wellbeing.

‘Remember, our purpose is noble, our task is challenging, but our destination is definitely within reach and I am quite optimistic that we will reach there soon,’ he added.

PHC building constructed in record time — Rio

Speaking at the event, Neiphiu Rio said three healthcare facilities, one each in Zunheboto, Tseminyu and Botsa, were sanctioned under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS). He added that the PHC building at Botsa had been constructed in record time, while the remaining two are yet to be completed.

The CM lauded the contractor for the exemplary work though the payment is yet to be made and appreciated the engineering wing of the department for the timely completion of the project. He went on to appreciate the Health department for taking up the Ayushman Bhavah campaign and on receiving four awards at the Arogya Manthan 2023.

Maintaining that many health problems, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCD) are attributed to lifestyle and food habits, he stressed keeping a limit on what one consumes as health issues will have consequences on the economy as well.

He also encouraged people to go for regular health check-ups irrespective of whether they are sick or not, saying that early diagnosis and treatment will save lives.

Contractor has set good example — Konyak

Paiwang Konyak informed that the Ayushman Bhavah campaign, which is being implemented across the country in mission mode from September 17, will continue till December 1.

“True to the objectives of the Campaign to saturate healthcare services to the last mile, I am extremely encouraged by the response of the citizens of the State in availing various health services,” he said while lauding the healthcare personnel for executing the campaign flawlessly and with sincerity.

Highlighting that Nagaland recently won awards for Full Utilisation of Allocated Fund; Prompt Anti-Fraud Actions, Ayushman Utkrishtata Award 2023 for Best Claim Settlement Performance and Highest Ayushman Card Generation among Small States, at the Arogya Manthan 2023, he urged the public to continue availing the services to ensure a healthy Nagaland.

On the PHC building at Botsa, the Health minister said the project was sanctioned under NESIDS in 2021 with a total project cost of INR 152.30 lakh and the total plinth area of the building is about 7200 sq. Ft, comprising 16 rooms and seven toilets. He hailed contractor M/s Keduo for setting a good example by completing the project in record time despite not making any advance payment.

He also informed that the ‘Doctors For You’, with the support of Boeing India, has provided critical equipment including an ambulance to the PHC, Botsa.

Chairman of JAS/ HCMC, Kechangulie Kense, and Botsa Council Chairman Kehouzelie also spoke at the programme led by Dr. Ritu Thurr, Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare.

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