A new health initiative “Access to Care – Nagaland: A Wellness Initiative” was launched in Kohima on May 8, aiming to improve early detection and prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The program is a collaboration between Doctors For You (DFY), Siemens Healthineers (CSR division), and the State NP-NCD Cell, supported by Department of Health & Family Welfare. It seeks to enhance healthcare services in underserved areas.
Speaking at the launch event at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Anoop Khinchi, commissioner and secretary of Health and Family Welfare, emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and said that early detection saves lives and reduces treatment costs.
Shwetanjali Kumari, CSR Head of Siemens Healthineers, described the project as an investment in future generations, while Dr. Shefali Agarwal, Director (Strategy & Transformation) at DFY, stressed the need for equal access to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities.
Under secretary of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), I. Changsang, pointed out that NCDs are “silent killers,” making early intervention crucial.
The event was chaired by Dr. Alemwabang Aier, joint director and state programme officer (NP-NCD), who outlined the project’s objectives and expected outcomes.
Dr. Nilutpal Das, Medical Officer, welcomed attendees, highlighting healthcare gaps in rural Nagaland. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Leamnyei Konyak, Chief Medical Officer of Kohima. This initiative marks an important step toward improving preventive healthcare and tackling the rising burden of NCDs in Nagaland.