The Memorandum of Understanding for establishment of a new Medical College in Mon was signed between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Nagaland State Government on September 15. (Photo Courtesy: @pangnyu/Twitter)
Kohima, September 18 (MExN): The Nagaland State Government has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for establishment of a new Medical College in Mon on September 15.
Informing the same in a series of tweets on September 18, State H&FW Minister, S Pangnyu Phom said that the Institute would to cater to the needs of remote and under-served areas and to promote access to quality healthcare.
“The State Government have signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the MoHFW, GOI for establishment of a new Medical College at Mon on 15th September 2020” (sic), he informed.
He further expressed gratitude to Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan for “his kind approval & sanctioning of the Institute to cater to the needs of remote and underserved areas and to promote access to quality healthcare.”
Pangnyu further anticipated as well as called upon the people to extend fullest cooperation from all ends to make this project a “dream come true for our own progress & benefit.”
Earlier on September 15, the Chief Minister Nephiu Rio also expressed his appreciation to Dr Vardhan and invited the latter to lay the foundation for the project.
“On behalf of the Govt. of Nagaland, I cordially invite you to lay the foundation stone of the project. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation in implementing the project and all other initiatives of @HealthNagaland,” Rio tweeted.
Pangnyu also informed on September 4 that the “landmark” approval of a new Medical College has fulfilled the long cherished dream of the people of Nagaland and Eastern Nagas in particular.
Once completed, the Medical College in Mon would be the second such institute in Nagaland. The construction for first medical college in Nagaland is currently underway in Phriebagei, under Kohima district.
It must be noted here that Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28 gave the approval for establishment of 75 additional Government Medical Colleges by 2021-22 attached with existing district/referral hospitals under Phase-III of the ongoing Centrally Sponsored scheme.
For the schemes approved to increase the availability of healthcare infrastructure and manpower, the Cabinet also sanctioned an expenditure of Rs. 24,375 crore during the 15lh Finance Commission period i.e. up to 2021-22, stated an official release via PIB Delhi.
The establishment of new Medical Colleges attached with existing District/Referral Hospitals, would lead to an increase in the availability of qualified health professionals, improve tertiary care in Government sector, utilize existing infrastructure of districts hospitals and promote affordable medical education in the country, it said.
“New medical colleges would be set up in under-served areas having no medical college; with at least 200 bedded District Hospital. Preference will be given to Aspirational Districts and District Hospital having 300 beds,” it added.
