If we are to envision a healthier Nagaland, it is imperative to ensure that all districts, including Mokokchung, receive equal opportunities to access quality healthcare. The disparity in healthcare infrastructure and services between Mokokchung and the more developed regions of Kohima and Dimapur is glaring.
Mokokchung, despite being one of the important districts in Nagaland, lags behind Kohima and Dimapur in terms of healthcare facilities. This disparity is evident in the availability of advanced medical equipment, specialized healthcare professionals, and comprehensive healthcare services. While Kohima and Dimapur boast well-equipped hospitals and a steady influx of medical expertise, Mokokchung struggles with basic healthcare needs.
To bring Mokokchung on par with Kohima and Dimapur, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Infrastructure development, recruitment and training of medical professionals, telemedicine and digital health services, public health initiatives, government support and policy implementation, and community involvement are some of the thoughts that come to mind. However, this is a broad subject matter, and going into the details is beyond the scope of this column.
It is undeniable that Mokokchung struggles with inadequate facilities, a shortage of specialized professionals, and limited access to advanced medical technologies. This brings us to a broader issue: the reluctance of private investors to commit to healthcare in Mokokchung due to perceived unpromising business prospects.
Private investment is a critical driver of healthcare development, often bringing in the necessary capital for modern infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and highly skilled professionals. In its absence, Mokokchung faces several detrimental outcomes. The most immediate impact is the stagnation of healthcare infrastructure development. Without sufficient funds, existing hospitals and clinics cannot be upgraded, and new facilities cannot be established, leaving the community without access to quality healthcare services.
Moreover, the scarcity of advanced medical equipment in Mokokchung hospitals means that residents often receive suboptimal care. Diagnostic capabilities are limited, treatments are less effective, and patient outcomes suffer. This situation is exacerbated by the shortage of healthcare professionals. Attracting and retaining doctors, nurses, and technicians is challenging without competitive salaries and modern working conditions typically funded by private investments.
The reliance on government funding as a substitute for private investment is not a sustainable solution. While government support is essential, it is often insufficient to meet the growing healthcare demands of the population.
This dependence can lead to delays in service delivery and infrastructure development, further widening the healthcare gap between Mokokchung and more developed regions.
The absence of private investment also limits access to specialized care. For advanced treatments, residents are forced to travel to Kohima, Dimapur, or even outside Nagaland, incurring significant costs and facing considerable inconvenience. At this moment, exploring avenues to attract private investment in healthcare appears to be the most viable solution for Mokokchung. Can we do that?