Nagaland Guv urges expansion of AYUSH services after hospital review

Imphal, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: Kohima: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Friday reviewed the functioning of the Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Chedema, Kohima, and lauded its role in promoting holistic healthcare and serving the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his visit, the Governor interacted with doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and hospital officials, commending them for their dedication to delivering quality healthcare services. He stated that the institution had emerged as a center of healing and hope for the people of Nagaland.

Yadav noted that the 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital, inaugurated on March 4, 2022, is the third such facility in the country, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening holistic and integrative healthcare. This commitment is particularly significant in a region like Nagaland, where traditional practices and modern medical approaches can complement each other to enhance the overall health of the population. The hospital's establishment aligns with the broader national policy to integrate traditional medicine systems into the mainstream healthcare framework.

He also recalled that the hospital served as Nagaland’s first designated COVID-19 hospital during the pandemic, providing critical healthcare services at a crucial time. The pandemic has underscored the importance of robust healthcare systems, and the Integrated AYUSH Hospital has played a pivotal role in addressing the medical needs of the community during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.

Highlighting the importance of traditional systems of medicine, the Governor said AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) complements modern healthcare by focusing on preventive care, holistic wellness, and healthy living. This dual approach not only addresses immediate health concerns but also promotes long-term wellness through lifestyle changes and preventive measures. With increasing awareness of integrative healthcare, he emphasized that institutions like the Chedema hospital play a vital role in providing accessible, affordable, and patient-centric healthcare.

The emphasis on AYUSH systems is part of a larger movement in India to promote traditional medicine as a legitimate and effective form of healthcare. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of rising healthcare costs and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, where preventive and holistic approaches can significantly reduce health risks.

He stated that the review meeting was an opportunity to assess the hospital’s achievements, identify challenges, and discuss measures to further strengthen its infrastructure, services, and outreach. The Governor’s proactive engagement in reviewing the hospital’s operations reflects a broader governmental strategy aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery across the state. He urged the hospital’s staff to continue working with dedication, innovation, and compassion so that the institution develops into a model center for integrated healthcare.

Congratulating the doctors, healthcare workers, and staff for their service, the Governor conveyed his best wishes for the hospital’s continued success in improving the health and well-being of the people of Nagaland. The acknowledgment from the Governor serves to motivate healthcare professionals and reinforces the importance of their contributions to the community.

During the review, hospital officials presented an overview of the facility, which was inaugurated by Union Minister of AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal. Located at Razha Chedema, about 24 km from Kohima on the Phek–Meluri–Zunheboto road, the hospital caters to eight surrounding villages and is among only three integrated AYUSH hospitals in the country. The strategic location of the hospital allows it to serve a diverse population, ensuring that people from various backgrounds can access holistic healthcare services.

Officials informed the Governor that the hospital offers services in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, and Homeopathy, supported by a workforce of 43 staff members. Since its inception, it has recorded more than 10,050 outpatient consultations and treated 560 in-patients up to June 2026. These numbers indicate a growing acceptance and reliance on AYUSH services among the local population, which is essential for the sustainability of such healthcare models.

The hospital provides free Ayurveda and Homoeopathy medicines, laboratory services at nominal charges, Panchakarma therapy, naturopathy treatment, clinical yoga sessions, and emergency care, particularly for road accident victims before referral to the Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima. The provision of free medicines and nominal charges for laboratory services demonstrates a commitment to making healthcare more affordable and accessible to the community.

Officials also highlighted the hospital’s outreach initiatives, including free health camps, awareness programs in neighboring villages, radio talks promoting the AYUSH system, and observance of events such as International Yoga Day, World Homoeopathy Day, International Ayurveda Day, Doctors’ Day, International Nurses Day, and World Environment Day. These initiatives not only promote health awareness but also foster a sense of community engagement and education about the benefits of traditional medicine systems.

The commitment to outreach reflects an understanding that healthcare extends beyond the walls of hospitals and clinics. By actively engaging with the community, the hospital can address health issues proactively and educate the public on various aspects of health and wellness.

The Governor was also briefed on the institution’s training and academic activities, including yoga instructor training programs, medicinal plant workshops, Prakriti assessments for security personnel, educational exposure visits, and internship programs for students. Such programs are crucial for building a skilled workforce in the AYUSH sector and ensuring that the knowledge of traditional practices is passed down to future generations. The emphasis on training and education also aligns with national goals of enhancing human resources in healthcare.

Appreciating the efforts of the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and staff, Yadav encouraged the institution to further strengthen public outreach, improve healthcare delivery, and expand access to quality AYUSH services across the state. The Governor’s call for expansion reflects an understanding of the growing demand for holistic healthcare services and the need to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape in India. By focusing on expanding services, the hospital can better meet the needs of the population and promote a healthier community overall.

In conclusion, the Governor's visit and subsequent review of the Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Chedema underscores the importance of integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare approaches. As Nagaland continues to navigate its unique healthcare challenges, the focus on AYUSH services may provide a viable path toward a more comprehensive and inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.