Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister S Pangnyu Phom and other during the inauguration of Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Razha Chedema, Kohima on March 4. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 4
Union Minister for AYUSH & Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated an Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Razha Chedema, Kohima in the presence of Nagaland Health & Family Welfare Minister, S Pangnyu Phom on March 4.
Sonowal also virtually laid the foundation stone of Integrated AYUSH Hospital for Tuli, Medziphema and Kiphire.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal expressed satisfaction that the Nagaland has beautifully developed an Integrated AYUSH Hospital with the support of the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
He said that Nagaland has tremendous potential in many aspects following the topography, the natural existence of resources, the culture and heritage and maintained that such resources will help the state to grow faster. With this, he said, Nagaland has a very bright future ahead.
Sonowal said that AYUSH product has become acceptable to the human society. Stating that AYUSH industry through its products creates 18.2 billion dollars in the global market, he maintained that this industry can create avenues for employment and income generation. In this, he said, Nagaland with rich natural resources has a big role to play. He said that the entire North East is known to be the hotspot of biodiversity, adding that the whole northeastern has a big role to play.”
‘PM wants speedy growth of NE’
Sonowal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the speedy growth of NE “that is why he is the first PM in the last 75 years old Independence who has narrated North East as full of resources.
He said that during the last 7 years of his (Modi) regime, many transformations took place in the entire NE. All the eight northeastern state got tremendous benefit out of his devoted effort and his love for North East, Sonowal said.
Sonowal said that Modi always want to expedite all kind of development scheme to be completed in the time frame.
Through active policy, Modi has developed connectivity with the neighbouring nations including promotion of all the sector of human activities be it education, health, tourism, sports, youth affairs, cultivation, science technology, innovation, start ups etc.
“PM has given priority to the North East India that is why he has visited this part of India more than 50 times and he is the first PM who has visited maximum number,” he said.
Sonowal also extended wholehearted support in whatever assistance required from the GoI and from his ministry to the state of Nagaland in the sector of Inland Waterways and also in the sector of AYUSH.
Urgent need to have AYUSH Medical College in Nagaland
Also speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Minister, S Pangnyu Phom said that in ancient times, Ayurveda has been used to treat several illnesses and injuries and was considered as one of the best ways to treat diseases and lead a healthy life.
“Now, with the advancement in health sciences and technologies these traditional Ayurvedic approaches have blended well with our modern methods and have created awareness among today's generation,” he said adding, “Nowadays people are opting for Ayurvedic Medicines more than ever which has largely impacted in the health care system both in urban and rural areas in the state.”
On behalf of the State Government and the department, he enlightened Sonowal for the urgent need to have AYUSH Medical College in the State, “where the establishment of this institution will massively help the youngsters to get their quality education and skilled themselves to study more about the importance of AYUSH and its benefits with available medicinal plants/species in the region.”
He said that it will not only educate the youngsters/learners but will definitely improve economic growth and enable for self sustenance of the people by cultivating the useful herbs/plants in larger scale. In this, he thanked AYUSH Ministry for funding and developing the infrastructure in the doorstep for the welfare of the common people.
He said that Nagaland though a small state is rich in flora & fauna with virgin forest & undiscovered valuable medicinal plants available in plenty which has the scope to help produce AYUSH Medicines in good quantity. But being a developing State, to explore all these available resources and raw materials the State Government and the Department requires Financial & other Logistics support from the GOI & the Ministry of AYUSH for the improvement and expansion of AYUSH in the State which will ultimately pave a way to grow & take forward AYUSH in Nagaland into a different level which in return will be helpful to the people of the state and the Nation in a bigger way.
The minister also urged the officers, staffs and all those involved in this Integrated AYUSH Hospital to make it a Model AYUSH Hospital for all.
Nagaland Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Advisor Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire also spoke at the function.
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Principal Secretary to Government of Nagaland, Health & Family Welfare Department gave the overview of AYUSH activities in Nagaland. Zadiwheto Zechu spoke on behalf o village councils. Keziah Semy and Sakhabama Youth Cultural Troupe presented special song and folk song respectively.
