A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on July 24 between Apollo Children’s Hospital (ACH) in Chennai and the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Nagaland. This agreement aims to facilitate the screening and treatment of congenital heart diseases in children aged 0 to 18 years. The formal signing took place at the NHM Mission Director’s office in Kohima, where officials outlined plans for organizing screening camps across Nagaland. Children identified during these camps will be referred to Apollo Children’s Hospital for further treatment, with costs covered by NHM according to RBSK model norms. Any expenses beyond set limits will be funded by the Apollo Hospital Charitable Trust.
Under this partnership, ACH will provide free accommodation for one accompanying adult per patient during their treatment in Chennai. Additionally, the hospital will train government doctors in pediatric cardiac surgery and relevant interventions. The MoU also emphasizes training for support staff to boost local healthcare capabilities. Dr. Avile Zao, Mission Director of NHM, praised ACH for their commitment, stating, “This collaboration will benefit the people of Nagaland by improving access to specialized medical care and support services.”
Niranjani S., the Unit Head of Apollo Children’s and Women’s Hospital, shared the hospital’s successful experiences with similar initiatives in Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. She also mentioned the introduction of teleconsultation services in Nagaland and the potential for future employment opportunities for local nurses.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Avile Zao on behalf of NHM and Niranjani S. for Apollo Children’s Hospital, with D. Rajkumar, Senior Manager of Healthcare Services at ACH, in attendance. This signing was witnessed by Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, State Programme Officer for NHM, along with other NHM officials.
Previously, the NHM in Nagaland signed similar agreements with SKY Hospital and SHIJA Hospitals & Research Institute, Imphal, in 2018, and with Health City Hospital in Guwahati in 2025, both targeting heart screening and treatment efforts.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/apollo-nhm-deal-to-help-children-with-heart-defects
Category: Nagaland
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-07-24 22:49:00
