The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, organized a two-day meeting with Karthik Adapa, IAS, Regional Adviser for Digital Health at WHO, SEARO, to explore innovative digital health solutions and their potential to revolutionize the healthcare sector in the region from 02nd-04th April 2025 at IDSP Conference Hall, DoHFW, Kohima. The meeting was presided over by Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Nagaland, Anoop Kinchi, IAS attended by senior officials from the Department of Health & Family Welfare, including key stakeholders involved in the healthcare and digital health sectors.
On 2nd April 2025, an in-depth discussion took place between Karthik Adapa and officials from the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare where the primary focus was on the implementation and scalability of free open-source digital health solutions, including electronic health records, telemedicine platforms, and health data management systems. These solutions were explored for their potential to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and resource management across the state’s health infrastructure. Special attention was given to the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of open-source platforms, particularly for a region with diverse healthcare needs and limited resources. Dr. Karthik also emphasized the importance of standards and interoperability to ensure seamless integration of digital health solutions across various systems and to address the fragmentation of digital health that could hinder effective data sharing and coordination.
The discussion also addressed the challenges and opportunities in integrating these solutions into existing healthcare systems, focusing on data security, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability. This session provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore collaborative efforts to strengthen Nagaland’s healthcare ecosystem through the adoption of digital health technologies.
On the second day i.e., 3rd April 2025, the participants visited two key health facilities: the Nagaland Health Authority Kohima (NHAK) and Seikhazou UPHC. These site visits provided valuable insights into the existing healthcare infrastructure and digital health initiatives. The visits allowed the participants to observe firsthand the current capabilities and limitations of these facilities.
Following the site visits, the officials returned to the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare to resume discussions with key stakeholders, including representatives from various NGOs and department officials. The session delved into the advanced technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can help in the healthcare system.
Later in the day, the group proceeded to the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (NIMSR), where they further explored the application of digital health solutions and the prospects of incorporating advanced technologies to improve medical research and healthcare delivery in the region.
On 4th April 2025, the officials visited two key healthcare facilities in Dimapur. They toured the District Hospital Dimapur assessing its infrastructure, medical equipment and patient care services, and visited Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR), focusing on the institute’s research, medical training programs, and healthcare technologies
(DIPR)
