Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in a significant event on Saturday, marked the inauguration of the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR) in Kohima, which stands as the first medical college in the northeastern state. The occasion was graced by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who expressed profound gratitude to the central government for realizing the long-standing aspiration of the people of Nagaland.
Mandaviya highlighted the multifaceted role of NIMSR, emphasizing that it is not merely a medical college but also a research institute. He underscored that its mission encompasses medical education and addressing the specific health challenges faced by the Naga population.
The Union Health Minister celebrated the substantial growth in medical education within India. Over a span of just nine years, the number of MBBS seats in the country has surged significantly, increasing from 64,000 to a remarkable 1.6 lakh. Furthermore, the number of post-graduation seats has also doubled during this period. Mandaviya's remarks reflected the central government's dedication to enhancing medical education and healthcare infrastructure across the nation.
In an encouraging message to students and other stakeholders, Mandaviya urged them not to confine their research endeavors to national boundaries. He encouraged them to explore opportunities beyond the country's borders. To facilitate this, he revealed that the government has introduced foreign language courses in numerous medical education institutions, offering students a competitive edge in the international job market.
Mandaviya reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening medical, nursing, and pharmacy education, aiming to ensure comprehensive development and expansion of the nation's healthcare sector. The primary goal is to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible to every citizen of India. The minister also highlighted the widespread establishment of 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras to enhance access to quality and affordable medicines throughout the nation.
NIMSR Kohima is affiliated with Nagaland University and has been granted permission by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to admit 100 MBBS students from the academic year 2023-2024. This landmark development marks the commencement of the first medical college in Nagaland after 60 years of statehood. A total of 85 MBBS students from Nagaland and six from all-India seats have enrolled at NIMSR, commencing their MBBS classes following an induction program on September 1.
This historic milestone was not only a momentous occasion for the state of Nagaland but also a testament to the central government's unwavering commitment to its realization. The NIMSR is anticipated to bolster the state's secondary and tertiary healthcare infrastructure, with aspirations of becoming a center of excellence in the future.
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