A one-day orientation programme on the effective implementation of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants Components was organised by the Directorate of Municipal Affairs in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland, at De Oriental Grand, Bayavü, Kohima on June 30.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Joint Director, Directorate of Municipal Affairs and Nodal Officer, 15th Finance Commission (Urban), Wachusie Katiry.
Director of Municipal Affairs, Temjenrenla Kechü, in her keynote address, outlined the objectives of the 15th Finance Commission Health Grant and the rationale behind the orientation programme. She said the Government of India introduced the grant to strengthen basic healthcare services in urban and rural areas through local bodies, alongside the existing health infrastructure.
She noted that the scheme was conceptualised after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in healthcare delivery, with hospitals becoming overcrowded and overstretched. To address this, the Government of India introduced Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWCs) to provide healthcare and basic diagnostic services at the neighbourhood level.
Kechü said the grant is implemented through the Departments of Rural Development, Municipal Affairs, and Health & Family Welfare. Under the Municipal Affairs Department, funds have been provided for establishing new UHWCs through new 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 added that the Government of Nagaland has integrated the scheme with existing health units such as Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres, and six additional health centres are planned this year. UHWCs are envisioned as the first point of healthcare access at the community level, including during emergencies, with referral linkages to designated polyclinics for specialised services.
She said the orientation programme was organised to equip Medical Officers and Urban Local Body officials with a clear understanding of the scheme’s implementation. Recurring grants have also been provided for human resource development, medicines, quality assurance, infection control, operational expenses, wellness activities, branding, monitoring, and other essential services.
Managing Director of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, Dr Imotemsu, presented an overview of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), describing it as a system that ensures everyone has access to quality health services without financial hardship. He said UHC covers the full continuum of care—from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care and is a key target under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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He highlighted that UHC is built on three core pillars: universal access to healthcare services, quality healthcare, and financial protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket medical expenses. Referring to global data, he said around 2.1 billion people face financial hardship due to healthcare costs, including 1.6 billion pushed into or deeper into poverty, while 4.6 billion people still lack full coverage of essential health services.
Dr Imotemsu also outlined India’s progress through initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Health and Wellness Centres, digital health records, telemedicine, and expanded immunisation, while noting that challenges remain in healthcare infrastructure, manpower shortages, high out-of-pocket expenditure, and urban-rural disparities. He stressed that strengthening primary healthcare, increasing public health spending, and leveraging technology are essential to achieving universal health coverage in the country.
Technical sessions were conducted on the non-recurring and recurring cost components under the 15th Finance Commission Health Grants, and a session on polyclinic services was later conducted with Joint Director, Municipal Affairs & Nodal Officer, 15th FC Grant (Urban), Wachusie Katiry. Deputy Director, National Health Mission Nagaland, D&FW, Dr. Thomas Keppen and Joint Director, H&FW, Dr. Manyau Phom as the resource persons.
