Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Thursday flagged off Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances under a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative supported by Toyota Kirloskar Motor in collaboration with the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), in a move aimed at strengthening emergency medical services in the state.
The assets were handed over during a program held at Zone Niathu by The Park, Chumoukedima.
Officials said the initiative will benefit six districts: Kohima, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Tseminyu and Zunheboto.
Under the healthcare component, ALS ambulances have been provided to selected healthcare centres along with medical and non-medical equipment for multiple public institutions. The project also includes support for two government schools through furniture, sports materials and kitchen facilities as part of a pilot education initiative.
Speaking at the event, Rio said improved emergency transport and medical support would help strengthen response during critical situations and expand services to underserved areas. He acknowledged the role of private sector partnerships in supplementing government efforts, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, youth development and community welfare.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said the assets would help improve service delivery and reduce delays in emergency care. He called on beneficiary departments and institutions to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment, describing them as public assets meant for daily service.
Patton added that while the initiative marks progress, remote areas continue to face infrastructure gaps and said similar efforts would be required to extend services to all regions.
IDAN Chairman Abu Metha delivered opening remarks highlighting the role of collaborative partnerships in development. Vikram Gulati, Executive Vice President and Country Head for Corporate Affairs and Governance at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, presented the company’s CSR initiatives and its focus on community-based programs.
The program concluded with the formal handing over of assets and the flagging off of ALS ambulances intended to improve emergency healthcare response across the beneficiary districts.