A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India Office, led by Country Head Takuro Takeuchi and Representative Saya Ishikawa, visited Kohima to explore research collaboration between the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (NIMSR) and Japanese universities.
JICA is supporting the establishment of a 400-bed Medical College Hospital at NIMSR through Official Development Assistance (ODA), with the objective of strengthening tertiary healthcare services and enhancing medical education in Nagaland.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), Seikhazou UPHC, and NIMSR on September 22, and held meetings with Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen and officials of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare.
Discussions during the meetings focused on Nagaland’s key research priorities, including stomach cancer, toxicology, elderly care management, infertility, and studies on medicinal plants and biohazards. Faculty and student exchange programs were also considered as part of the collaboration.
Officials informed the delegation that the state government would prepare a framework identifying the scope and priority areas for cooperation, based on Nagaland’s needs, to be taken up in subsequent discussions.
State health officials further proposed that such collaborations could extend beyond the health sector. The JICA delegation indicated that a follow-up visit may take place in January 2026 to advance the initiatives.