Sitharaman hands over key medical equipment to Kiphire hospital

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday continued her official tour of Nagaland with a series of engagements aimed at strengthening grassroots welfare and skilling initiatives. She interacted with Anganwadi workers and children at an Anganwadi Centre in Kiphire, reviewed local development efforts, and attended the Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall. Sitharaman is also scheduled to inaugurate the Government Industrial Training Institute, interact with students, and launch NSRLM stalls along with a Credit Outreach Programme at the Government High School Ground later in the day.

Smt @nsitharaman visited an Anganwadi Centre in Kiphire, Nagaland, where she interacted with the children, Anganwadi workers and helpers. pic.twitter.com/PTmpUMiNpi

— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) November 14, 2025

Her three day official visit follows key engagements on Thursday, when the Finance Minister handed over critical medical equipment to the District Hospital Kiphire under the State Bank of India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, significantly boosting healthcare infrastructure in one of Nagaland’s most remote districts. Calling her presence in the state “a blessing,” Sitharaman said she prioritises ensuring substantial CSR contributions to address the longstanding resource constraints faced by Nagaland. The CSR support included blood bank equipment worth Rs5.81 lakh, general hospital equipment valued at Rs59 lakh, and five bike ambulances for primary health centres in Kiphire district amounting to Rs20 lakh. She also flagged off the multi-utility bike ambulances during her visit.
At the District Hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr. Watsutho Nyuthe presented an overview of existing facilities and services, while senior officials—including Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along—accompanied the Union Minister. Sitharaman expressed gratitude to the state government and the Kiphire district administration for their warm welcome and noted that revisiting Nagaland gave her the opportunity to witness the aspirations of people in the state’s aspirational district. She reiterated that each visit reinforces her commitment to bringing meaningful CSR-backed development to Nagaland, especially in the healthcare sector where modern equipment is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.According to information,the formal handing-over ceremony included the presentation of blood bank equipment worth Rs5.81 lakh, hospital equipment worth Rs59 lakh, and five bike ambulances for primary health centres valued at Rs20 lakh. A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. R. Wapang Imchen, Chief Medical Officer, Kiphire, and the programme was chaired by Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland. Earlier in the day, Sitharaman flagged off the new bike ambulances meant to improve emergency response in remote and difficult terrains.
On Saturday, Sitharaman is scheduled to travel to Kohima to witness the exchange of an MoU between the Telangana State Network and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, and to launch the ‘SAMARTH’ and Digital Hardware initiatives. She will also interact with students at NIELIT Kohima. Later, in Dimapur, the Finance Minister will inaugurate the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre and review the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment at Niathu Resort before concluding her three-day visit and returning to New Delhi.

(Asstt.Editor)