CM Rio oversees progress of Nagaland’s first medical college

Assures funds for timely completion of the project; expresses hope of starting first academic session on time

KOHIMA—Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday inspected the Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research (NIMSR) at Phriebagei, Kohima, to oversee the progress of the building construction work ahead of the commencement of first academic session.

While assuring additional funds for completion of the project, towards building a centre of excellence, he expressed hope that classes will start on time during the academic session 2023-24.

Rio also said that he would make a final visit to the site of the facility before the medical college becomes functional.

The chief minister was accompanied by the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak; Chief Secretary J Alam; Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) team; Commissioner for Health and Family Welfare, Y Kikheto Sema; Dr. Soumya Chakraborty, Director-cum-Dean NIMSR; and several other officials, during the visit.

Rio said the government will provide whatever is required for the hostel or staff, including bus facility and that it will take a decision on taking over the Urban Housing Complex. He also told the authorities not to worry about funds, saying that the government will release the required amount on yearly requirement basis.

Informing that the government of India also will provide additional funds for the project, he told the NIMSR authorities to give a blueprint of fund utilisation so that the state government can facilitate its release.

Maintaining that funds should be used for each financial year, he said non submission of utilisation certificate (UC) will hamper further funding to the institute.

The chief minister also informed that a meeting will be convened in a day or two to discuss about the NIMSR.

He went on to say that he had personally requested the prime minister and finance minister to upgrade the NIMSR to Centre-run AIIMS or Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) status.

Kikheto Sema also gave a presentation on the NIMSR project earlier in the day.

Also read: Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research building to be completed by May