The Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with Swasti and supported by TATA AIG General Insurance Company, held the Swasti State Dissemination Meeting on Social Protection & Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) Interventions at the Nagaland Health Protection Society Conference Hall, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima. The event also marked the launch of a Mobile Medical Unit for Kiphire district.
MMU to address healthcare gaps in remote areas
Speaking as the Special Guest, Dr. E. Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare, stated that the MMU initiative aims to provide healthcare access to populations in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He emphasized that MMUs represent a significant effort by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) to serve marginalized communities and achieve universal health coverage. Proper planning and strategic deployment of MMU services, he noted, will help address healthcare challenges effectively.
Dr. Patton informed that Nagaland currently has 11 functional MMUs equipped with vehicles, medical personnel, and doctors. At present, five Medical Officers (MOs) are operating in Kohima, Mokokchung, Dimapur, Wokha, and Zunheboto. However, he pointed out that despite advertisements for MMU vacancies, including Medical Officers, General Nursing Midwives (GNMs), Lab Technicians, and drivers, no applications have been received so far.
He further stated that each MMU is required to conduct a minimum of 12 camps per month, prioritizing villages and areas without functional health facilities. He urged ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and VHSNCs (Village Health Sanitation & Nutrition Committees) to mobilize communities and ensure that those in need are informed about the MMU schedules.
Dr Patton highlighted that the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW) has signed an MoU with Swasti and TATA AIG to implement MMU activities in Zunheboto district, and a similar initiative will now be carried out in Kiphire district. He requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kiphire, to oversee the planning and scheduling of MMU services in coordination with the district health team.
He expressed optimism that the launch of MMU services in Kiphire, alongside social protection interventions, would play a vital role in addressing healthcare challenges and improving community well-being.
The event featured a PowerPoint presentation on TATA AIG CSR initiatives by Deputy Vice President & Lead CSR & Sustainability, TATA AIG General Insurance Company Ltd. Rambabu from Swasti – The Health Catalyst also presented an overview of Social Protection & MMU Intervention accomplishments.
Additionally, Dr Akuo Sorhie, Mission Director, NHM, DoHFW Nagaland, provided an overview of the MMU program in the state, while Neikule and Manpang from The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) shared field experiences and beneficiary testimonials.
The program was chaired by Dr Kikameren Longkumer, Joint Director (Planning), DoHFW Nagaland. The welcome address was delivered by Bhoopathy, Director of Swasti, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Manpang from The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA).
The Mobile Medical Unit for Kiphire district was formally launched by Dr E Motsuthung Patton.
