Paiwang urges greater support for hill states, ageing health infrastructure and preparations for State’s first MBBS graduates
Nagaland has urged the Centre to revise the National Health Mission (NHM) funding formula and adopt region-specific budgeting for hill states, saying the existing allocation system does not adequately address the challenges of delivering healthcare in geographically difficult regions.
The proposals were put forward by Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak, during the 16th Conference of the Central Council of Health & Family Welfare held in New Delhi on June 29.
Addressing the conference, Paiwang sought enhanced Central support for the modernisation and upgradation of ageing healthcare infrastructure across primary, secondary and tertiary levels, particularly as Nagaland’s first batch of MBBS students is expected to graduate in 2028.
He also called for region-specific budgeting under Centrally Sponsored Schemes to reflect the higher construction and logistics costs faced by hilly and remote states.
The minister further appealed for a review of the National Health Mission resource allocation formula by giving greater weightage to terrain, remoteness, population dispersion and the minimum cost of sustaining essential health services, instead of relying predominantly on population.
Paiwang said such measures would strengthen healthcare delivery in states like Nagaland, where difficult terrain and scattered populations pose unique challenges.
Reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Paiwang highlighted Nagaland’s efforts to build an equitable, resilient and accessible healthcare system.
He also acknowledged the continued support extended by the Central Government towards strengthening healthcare services in Nagaland and appealed to Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda to favourably consider the State’s proposals in the spirit of cooperative federalism and equitable development.
The conference, chaired by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, brought together Health Ministers from states and Union Territories to deliberate on issues relating to public health and healthcare delivery across the country.
