In a move to enhance the quality of diagnostic services across the state, a one-day training programme for Laboratory Technicians from various districts of Nagaland was held on Thursday at the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), Kohima. The training, organized in two batches, is a joint initiative of the State Health Department and the Regional Resource Centre – North East (RRC-NE), Guwahati.
Speaking during the opening session, Dr. Raj Prabha Moktan, Director of RRC-NE, underlined the pivotal role of laboratory services in the health sector. “Lab services are not only critical for clinical care but are essential to preventive public health as well,” she said. Highlighting the broader implications, she added that the upcoming phase of the National Health Mission (2025–2030) will place greater emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare and e-Health. “We must therefore improve our lab services and build capacity from now onwards,” she stated.
Dr. Raj Prabha encouraged Nagaland to expand its laboratory infrastructure across all levels of the health system in line with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). She also commended the state for its impressive health indicators, citing the state’s low Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 7 (as per SRS 2022) and a lower prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women compared to the national average.
She further noted that 78% of the targeted Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) in Nagaland are currently functional, with 83% of them offering the complete range of mandated services. Applauding the community participation in the health sector, Dr. Raj Prabha expressed confidence that the state could meet its ambitious goals for the certification of Health Units under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) — 50% by 2025 and 100% by December 2026. She also lauded the state’s rational transfer and posting policy.
In her address, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, DoHFW, thanked the RRC-NE Director for her consistent support, especially towards the state’s aspirational districts and blocks. “Lab technicians bear a huge responsibility, as accurate diagnosis is the foundation of accurate treatment,” she said, urging technicians to use the opportunity to upgrade their skills. Dr. Mereninla also informed that the State Paramedical Institute has now introduced a B.Sc. programme in Laboratory Technology, reflecting the government’s commitment to career progression in the sector.
Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Dr Avile Zao, while welcoming the participants, said that the training is a vital opportunity for technicians to strengthen their diagnostic competencies. “Skilled lab technicians are indispensable as we navigate the complexities of modern diagnostics,” she said.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Sentimeren Aonok, Director, DoHFW, reiterated that the state’s healthcare goals remain focused on accessibility, affordability, quality, and timeliness. He expressed gratitude to RRC-NE and NHM Nagaland for facilitating the much-needed capacity-building program.