Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P Paiwang Konyak, graced the felicitation program for KAYAKALP Awardees for the years 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the conference hall of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima, on March 25, 2025.
Speaking as the special guest, Konyak stated that the National Health Mission has always prioritized and taken responsibility for supporting the KAYAKALP Award. He assured that in the next KAYAKALP Award cycle, he would enhance and increase the cash award to further support healthcare institutions that are sincerely working to promote hospitals and health centres.
He reminded all health centres that transformation does not happen on its own but requires human intervention. He also assured that he would visit district health centres in the coming days to assess the ODB (Outpatient Department and Bed) performances and clinical performances. Additionally, he committed to addressing the construction of CMO (Chief Medical Officer) offices in districts lacking proper infrastructure. He noted that funds were available not only for the beautification of hospitals but also to ensure that clinical performances meet the required standards.
The minister acknowledged that while the department is providing medical equipment to hospitals, transformation would not occur without proper intervention. He urged doctors and department officials to take bold steps toward change and encouraged them to share their challenges. He also highlighted the shortage of manpower due to the creation and upgrading of sub-centres into PHCs (Primary Health Centres) without the necessary doctors and nurses over the years.
Furthermore, the minister congratulated and appreciated Team Nagaland for their efforts in the TB elimination program, which successfully achieved the National Award within 100 days. He presented certificates to the awardees during the program.
Additional Secretary, S Tainiu Khiamniungan, while acknowledging the challenges health workers have endured to achieve the awards, stated that the event celebrates the impact of transformative initiatives on the public health system in the state through KAYAKALP. She emphasized that the programme is being observed in district hospitals, sub-centres, and community health centres through rigorous assessment, highlighting the importance of KAYAKALP.
During the program, experiences were shared through PowerPoint presentations. The highlights included: Kayakalp Award presentation by M.S., Zunheboto District Hospital; Eco-Friendly Award presentation by SMO, Changyongya CHC, Mokokchung and; National Quality Assurance Standard Certification by M.O., Kuhuboto PHC, Dimapur, and CHO, Rusoma HWC-SC, Kohima.
The welcome address was delivered by the Principal Director of the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), Dr E Motsuthung Patton, while the closing remarks were pronounced by Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), DoHFW, Dr Akuo Sorhie. The program was chaired by State Program Officer, National Health Mission, Nagaland, Dr Mereninla Senlem.