HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, Feb 21: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended an official development assistance (ODA) loan of approximately Rs 564 crore (10,008 million Japanese Yen) to support the establishment of the medical college hospital (MCH) at the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Kohima.
The ODA loan agreement was signed by Vikas Sheel, additional secretary of the department of economic affairs, Union ministry of finance and chief representative of JICA India, SAITO Mitsunori. The loan was approved underscoring Japan’s commitment to promoting healthcare infrastructure and medical education in India.
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Speaking on this occasion, Mitsunori said, “This project holds immense significance in addressing the healthcare needs of Nagaland. It is a dedicated step to further JICA’s commitment to supporting India’s healthcare sector and promoting universal access to quality healthcare services across the country.”
The project, with a cooperation period from February 2024 to October 2035, will be executed in close collaboration with the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and other relevant stakeholders.
The project aims to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by Nagaland, a state with a population of approximately 1.98 million. Nagaland currently ranks low in terms of healthcare access and quality, with limited medical infrastructure and a shortage of trained medical personnel.
The project endeavours to achieve the establishment of tertiary health services, enhancement of medical education and access to healthcare for all.
The project will develop a 400-bed MCH in Kohima to provide tertiary-level medical services to the residents of the state.
Through clinical-based education, including the training of physicians and specialists, it will help strengthen the medical human resource development system, thereby contributing to the promotion of universal health coverage (UHC) in the region. Further, by establishing the MCH in the state capital, the project seeks to improve access to quality healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations in Nagaland.
The project aligns with the central government’s priority to reduce regional disparities and promote socio-economic development in the Northeast by improving healthcare infrastructure and medical education. It also aligns with Japan’s assistance policy for the country, which emphasises enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.
