Kohima, June 30: A one-day orientation programme on the effective implementation of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants was organised by the Directorate of Municipal Affairs, in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland, at De Oriental Grand, Bayavü, Kohima, on Tuesday. The programme brought together Medical Officers, Urban Local Body (ULB) officials and health administrators to enhance understanding of the Health Grants scheme and strengthen the delivery of primary healthcare services across urban areas of the state.
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| Officials of the Directorate of Municipal Affairs, National Health Mission, Urban Local Bodies and healthcare professionals pose for a group photograph during the one-day orientation programme on the implementation of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants in Kohima. |
The orientation began with a welcome address by Wachusie Katiry, Joint Director, Directorate of Municipal Affairs and Nodal Officer for the 15th Finance Commission (Urban), who highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among implementing agencies to ensure the successful utilisation of the health grants.
Delivering the keynote address, Director of Municipal Affairs Temjenrenla Kechü explained the objectives of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants and the rationale behind organising the orientation programme. She said the Government of India introduced the grants to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level through local bodies while complementing the existing public health infrastructure.
Kechü noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant shortcomings in healthcare systems across the country, with hospitals becoming overcrowded and struggling to meet growing demand. In response, the Government of India introduced Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWCs) to provide accessible neighbourhood-level healthcare services, including basic diagnostics and preventive care.
She said the Health Grants are being implemented jointly through the Departments of Rural Development, Municipal Affairs, and Health & Family Welfare, ensuring coordinated development of healthcare infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.
Under the Municipal Affairs Department, the grants are being used to establish new Urban Health and Wellness Centres through fresh construction, upgrading of existing facilities or renting buildings in areas where government land is unavailable.
Each Urban Health and Wellness Centre is eligible for a one-time infrastructure grant of ₹25 lakh, along with an additional ₹3 lakh for computers, internet connectivity and digital infrastructure.
Kechü further informed participants that the Government of Nagaland has integrated the scheme with existing health facilities, including Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), to maximise efficiency and improve service delivery. She added that six additional health centres are proposed to be established during the current year.
She described Urban Health and Wellness Centres as the first point of contact for communities seeking healthcare services, including emergency care, with referral linkages to designated polyclinics for specialised treatment whenever necessary.
According to Kechü, the orientation programme was designed to equip Medical Officers and Urban Local Body officials with practical knowledge for effective implementation of the scheme.
She also highlighted the recurring financial assistance available under the programme for recruitment and capacity-building of human resources, procurement of medicines, quality assurance, infection prevention and control measures, operational expenses, wellness activities, branding, monitoring and evaluation, and other essential services required for the smooth functioning of Urban Health and Wellness Centres.
The programme also featured an informative presentation by Managing Director of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, Dr. Imotemsu, who provided an overview of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and its significance in achieving equitable healthcare.
Describing UHC as a system that ensures everyone has access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship, Dr. Imotemsu explained that Universal Health Coverage encompasses the entire continuum of healthcare—from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. He said UHC remains one of the key targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He emphasised that Universal Health Coverage rests on three core pillars: universal access to healthcare services, quality healthcare, and financial protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Referring to global statistics, Dr. Imotemsu pointed out that approximately 2.1 billion people worldwide face financial hardship due to healthcare costs, including 1.6 billion people who have been pushed into or further into poverty because of medical expenses. He added that 4.6 billion people still do not have full access to essential healthcare services, underlining the need for stronger public health systems.
Highlighting India's progress towards Universal Health Coverage, he referred to major initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres, digital health records, telemedicine services and expanded immunisation programmes.
However, he observed that challenges remain in the form of inadequate healthcare infrastructure, shortages of skilled health professionals, high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure and disparities between urban and rural healthcare services.
He stressed that strengthening primary healthcare systems, increasing public investment in public health and effectively leveraging digital technology are critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage in India.
The orientation also included a series of technical sessions covering both the non-recurring and recurring cost components under the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants.
A separate session on polyclinic services was conducted by Wachusie Katiry, while Deputy Director, National Health Mission Nagaland, Dr. Thomas Keppen, and Joint Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Manyau Phom, served as resource persons, providing detailed guidance on implementation procedures, financial management and service delivery mechanisms.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment from participating departments and officials to effectively implement the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants and strengthen accessible, quality primary healthcare services across Nagaland's urban communities.
