NE Health Knowledge Mission is an Urgent Need
- Part 5 -

G S Oinam *

7. Nagaland

Demography

The population of Nagaland is 1.99 million according to 2001 census and is scattered over 11 districts, 52 Blocks and 1317 villages. The State has the density of 120 persons per sq. km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.54% at the national level, the population of the State has highest grown in NE states by 64.53% over the period 1991-2001. The sex ratio of Nagaland at 900 females to 1000 males is lower than the national average of 933. Female literacy of the State rose to 61.92% from 54.75% in 1991. There are many distinct tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area such as Angamis, Zeliangs, Rengmas, Kukis, Semas, Aos, Lothas, Chang, Sangtam, Koyaks.

State Capital

The Capital of Nagaland, Kohima is beautifully located in the north-eastern hilly area. The state of Nagaland has an area of 16579 sq. km. and a population of 1.99 million. There are 11 districts, 52 blocks and 1317 villages. The State has population density of 120 per sq. km. (as against the national average of 312). The decadal growth rate of the state is 64.53% (against 21.54% for the country) and the population of the state continues to grow at a much faster rate than the national rate.

HEALTH INDICATORS OF NAGALAND

The Total Fertility Rate of the State is 3.7. The Infant Mortality Rate is 21 and Maternal Mortality Ratio is NA (SRS 2001 - 03). The Sex Ratio in the State is 900 (as compared to 933 for the country). Comparative figures of major health and demographic indicators are as follows:

Table I: Demographic, Socio-economic and Health profile of Nagaland State as compared to India figures

Ms V.S. Rao IAS (Retd), the then secretary of DONER has a vision to establish a medical consultancy cum temporary shelter especially for North east people in New Delhi. The idea was considered and welcome by former DONER Minister Shri Manisanker Iyer. Both of them are south Indian, were serving for the development of North East. Unfortunately, the idea was unfinished, Shri, Manisanker Iyer was defeated in the election for the minister of wrong portfolio in wrong constituency.(He was the minister of Panchayati Raj ,well established system in Tamil Nadu and DONER, which is not related to Tamil Nadu ). Now, UPA-II has an agenda for health information network all over India by 2020 under National Knowledge Commission. There should be active involvement of private and public health entities to effective address the creation of this network, portal, electronic health records, health data value, security, privacy and other related issues. The ready availability of information will accrue enormous benefits to public health planning, medical education, cost control, medical research, drug development, prevention of fraud, disaster management and improved patient care and consultancy. Today, DONER ministry has both Secretary and Minister from North East. Will the DONER minister consider an urgent need of NE Health Knowledge Mission in right time?