A few years ago, the Peren District Hospital in Nagaland was in poor condition. It lacked basic facilities such as handwashing stations and toilets, and emergency services were performed in corridors due to the absence of an operation theatre. Dr. Dietho Koza recalled performing Caesarean surgeries under torchlight.
Today, with support from the World Bank, the hospital has improved significantly. The facility now boasts a well-equipped labor room and a designated area for newborn care. Proper waste disposal and drainage systems have enhanced safety for staff and patients. In just four to five months, 56 babies were delivered compared to 50 over an entire year previously.
Nagaland's rural areas face challenges like poor road connectivity and unreliable electricity, affecting healthcare delivery. Since 2018, the Nagaland Health Project has improved 188 health centers across the state, reaching over 836,000 people.
The Primary Health Center (PHC) at Thonoknyu is one example of this transformation. Located over 260 kilometers from Kohima, it now sees more patients after refurbishments including new water and sanitation facilities. “Many changes have happened," said Pehie, a pharmacist at the PHC.
Community involvement plays a crucial role in improving healthcare through revitalized village health committees under the state's Communitization Act of 2002. Each committee now includes a woman as co-chair to focus on maternal and child health issues. “The project taught us that health services are not only the responsibility of the government but also villagers,” stated Mrs. Zhito from Mehuli village.
Efforts to address medical education include improvements at nursing schools in five cities with faculty training programs leading to increased enrollment capacity.
To tackle power supply issues, solar installations have been added to 175 health facilities ensuring reliable electricity for medical procedures. “Patients now receive uninterrupted services," said Vizonuo Thaprii from Peren District Hospital.
Diagnostic capabilities have expanded with labs equipped for local testing at PHCs like Chunlikha serving multiple villages efficiently.
Water scarcity solutions involve rainwater harvesting meeting sanitation needs across numerous facilities while biomedical waste management reduces infection risks according to Dr Senilo from Tuensang District Hospital which was recognized as cleanest in Nagaland.
Digital interventions aid inventory management preventing drug shortages while enhancing equipment monitoring statewide contributing overall towards better healthcare outcomes supported by this World Bank initiative transforming life quality throughout Nagaland.
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