The National Health Authority (NHA), in collaboration with the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, on Thursday launched the “Model District & Model Facilities Initiative” under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), with officials stressing the need for a fully integrated digital healthcare ecosystem in the state.
Speaking at the inaugural workshop held at Zone Niathu by The Park, Chumoukedima, NHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Sunil Kumar Barnwal said ABDM aims to transform healthcare delivery through a citizen-centric and digitally connected system.
He noted that healthcare services have traditionally operated through fragmented systems and said ABDM provides an opportunity to connect healthcare facilities, professionals and patients through a consent-based digital platform. Emphasising the importance of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), he said the digital health identity would enable citizens to securely access and manage their health records while ensuring continuity of care across healthcare institutions.
Dr Barnwal also highlighted the role of the Health Facility Registry and Healthcare Professionals Registry in helping citizens locate verified healthcare facilities and professionals. Urging hospitals to move beyond basic digital registration and billing systems, he said healthcare institutions must fully integrate clinical records and service delivery with ABDM. “Successful implementation will require both technological adoption and a change of mindset,” he said.
Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare Dr Mereninla Senlem described the initiative as a significant milestone in Nagaland’s digital health journey. She said the selection of Dimapur as the Model District and District Hospital Dimapur as the Model Public Health Facility offers an opportunity to demonstrate how digital health solutions can improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Dr Tinojongshi Chang said ABDM is harnessing digital transformation to make healthcare services more accessible, transparent and patient-friendly. He described Dimapur’s selection as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Health Department, healthcare workers and stakeholders, and called on healthcare professionals to ensure that quality healthcare services reach the grassroots. Assuring full support from the district administration, he reaffirmed its commitment to the successful implementation of the initiative.
The workshop also featured technical sessions on digital health implementation, stakeholder responsibilities and strategies to accelerate digital healthcare adoption across Nagaland.
