The Centre has expressed support for Nagaland’s push to expand specialist healthcare and medical education infrastructure, including proposals for an AIIMS-like medical institute in Chümoukedima district and a super-specialty upgrade of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), Kohima.
The proposals were discussed during a meeting between Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Nagaland Health Minister P. Paiwang Konyak in New Delhi on May 27.
Among the state government’s key proposals was the establishment of a Greenfield Medical College at Naga Ki City in Chümoukedima district on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). According to Paiwang, the institute is expected to strengthen tertiary healthcare and specialist medical services not only for Nagaland but also neighbouring states, while supporting medical tourism under the Act East Policy.
The state also proposed upgrading NIMSR into a super-specialty institute under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Paiwang said the state plans to introduce postgraduate courses after the institute’s first batch of MBBS students graduates in 2028, adding that the expansion would help address the shortage of specialist doctors in Nagaland.
Apart from medical education infrastructure, the discussions also focused on cancer care, mental healthcare and emergency medical services.
The Nagaland government sought support for establishment of a State Cancer Institute under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), citing increasing cancer cases in the state.
It also proposed upgrading the State Mental Health Institute into a Centre of Excellence under the National Mental Health Programme, alongside establishment of a State Allied Health Professional Institute at Kohima.
Paiwang further urged establishment of Accident and Trauma Centres in the remaining 12 districts of Nagaland and appealed for continuation of the PM-ABHIM scheme for strengthening public health infrastructure.
According to Deputy Director & Senior PRO, Nagaland House, the Union Minister assured support for proposals aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services in the state.