‘Naga Telehealth’ platform launched in Nagaland for better health service delivery

KOHIMA | SEPT 10, 2020:

Nagaland has set course on a transformational journey to alter the dimensions of public health delivery through the Ayushman Bharat programme by focusing on the health and wellness of the people.

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has brought in many unprecedented challenges to the health system including the disruption of essential healthcare services daily.

In the wake of the pandemic, telemedicine has emerged as an innovative solution; and keeping up with technological advancement, the Nagaland government came up with a 'Naga Telehealth' platform for service delivery to people in need.

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The platform was launched by Nagaland Minister of Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom at his office chamber here, on Wednesday.

The platform is being rolled out by the Nagaland government in partnership with USAID's flagship health system strengthening project NISHTHA and implemented by Jhpiego developed a telemedicine platform – 'Naga Telehealth' to ensure continuity of essential health services to people across the state.

"I am confident that with this important initiative we will be able to ensure that quality, affordable healthcare services reach everyone in the State. I thank USAID NISHTHA-jhpiego for supporting in this important initiative," Health Minister Phom tweeted.

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Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM) Dr Kevichusa Medikhru highlighted that this service will be launched in a phased manner and would cover the targeted Health and Wellness Centres for the financial year 2020 – 21.

"It is currently being rolled out across 82 Sub Health Centres (SHCs) that will be connected to Medical Officers at Public Health Centres (PHCs) and Districts of Nagaland for general and specialist teleconsultations," he said.

The technology platform is being launched in a web and android platform. The platform will also be beneficial for triaging COVID-19 patients, service delivery to non-critical COVID cases as well as to manage essential health care services at the primary level.

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