Officials and participants during the one-day orientation programme on the implementation of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants in Kohima June 30. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, JUNE 30 (MExN): Strengthening primary healthcare through Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWCs) and advancing universal health coverage (UHC) were the focus of a one-day orientation programme on the implementation of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants held in Kohima on June 30.
The programme was organised by the Directorate of Municipal Affairs in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland.
In her keynote address, Director of Municipal Affairs Temjenrenla Kechü said the 15th Finance Commission Health Grant was introduced to strengthen basic healthcare services through local bodies following gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said UHWCs were conceived to provide neighbourhood-level healthcare and basic diagnostic services, reducing the burden on hospitals.
Kechü informed that the grant is implemented through the Departments of Rural Development, Municipal Affairs, and Health & Family Welfare. Under the Municipal Affairs Department, funds are provided to establish new UHWCs through construction, upgrading existing facilities or renting buildings where land is unavailable. Each centre is eligible for a one-time grant of Rs 25 lakh for infrastructure and Rs 3 lakh for computer and internet facilities.
She said the State has integrated the scheme with existing Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres, while six additional health centres are planned this year. UHWCs are envisaged as the first point of healthcare access, with referral linkages to polyclinics for specialised services. Recurring grants have also been earmarked for human resources, medicines, quality assurance, infection control, operational expenses, wellness activities, branding and monitoring.
Managing Director of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, Dr Imotemsu, presented an overview of Universal Health Coverage, describing it as ensuring access to quality healthcare without financial hardship. He said strengthening primary healthcare remains central to achieving the goal.
Highlighting global challenges, he said around 2.1 billion people experience financial hardship due to healthcare costs, while 4.6 billion still lack full coverage of essential health services. He noted India's progress through initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Health and Wellness Centres, digital health records and telemedicine, but said gaps in infrastructure, manpower and high out-of-pocket expenditure continue to hinder universal health coverage.
Technical sessions covered the recurring and non-recurring components of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants and polyclinic services. The sessions were led by Joint Director and Nodal Officer for the 15th Finance Commission (Urban), Wachusie Katiry, Deputy Director, NHM, Dr Thomas Keppen, and Joint Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr Manyau Phom.
