Representatives of Apollo Excelcare Hospital and Ao Kaketshir Telongjem Guwahati during the MoU signing ceremony.
DIMAPUR, APRIL 6 (MExN): In a move aimed at enhancing healthcare support for the Ao Naga community in Guwahati, the Ao Kaketshir Telongjem Guwahati (AKTG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Apollo Excelcare Hospital. The partnership marks a significant step toward improving access to medical services for the community, especially students and families living in and around the city.
The agreement, signed during a formal event in Guwahati, ensures the availability and safe storage of blood at Apollo Excelcare Hospital for the Ao community. It also introduces several community-focused healthcare benefits, including free ambulance services for Ao students within a 20-kilometer radius of Guwahati and a 15 percent discount on both outpatient and inpatient services for all members of the Ao Naga community.
AKTG President Watilong T. Jamir, speaking at the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a “milestone in the pursuit of accessible and inclusive healthcare for our people.” Jamir expressed gratitude to the hospital’s leadership for responding to the community’s long-standing need for reliable medical support.
“This partnership comes at a time when our community, particularly our youth and students, have faced increasing healthcare challenges,” Jamir said. “Through this MOU, we are not only securing emergency medical access but also laying the groundwork for long-term community welfare.”
Apollo Excelcare Hospital’s Chief Operating Officer Thaomunglung reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the Ao community. “We are pleased to partner with AKTG and will ensure that our services are extended with compassion and efficiency,” he said, pledging close cooperation between the hospital management and community leaders.
According to AKTG, the idea for this partnership was initially conceived in 2022, spearheaded by Adv. Noklensangyu Pongen. The initiative gained momentum through the collective efforts of several individuals including Dr. Lipok Jamir, Rev. Dr. Toshirenba Pongen, and President Watilong T. Jamir. Over the past three years, these leaders have worked together to bring the vision to life through continuous planning and engagement with healthcare institutions.
AKTG officials underscored that the collaboration represents a broader mission to uplift the Ao community in urban centers through strategic partnerships. The organization plans to explore additional initiatives in the near future to further support the health, education, and overall well-being of its members.
The MOU was formally undersigned on behalf of AKTG by Dr. Lipok Jamir, Treasurer; Abenla Mar, Advisor; and Watilong T. Jamir, President.
As the agreement takes effect, both AKTG and Apollo Excelcare Hospital expressed optimism that the partnership will serve as a model for similar efforts aimed at supporting indigenous communities in metropolitan settings.
