PRESS RELEASE
14th January 2006

Today, on 14th January 2007, Lamp Lighting Ceremony of 1st Batch of Shija Academy of Nursing and Shija Annual Meet 07 was celebrated. Shri Jarnail Singh, Chief Secretary to the Government of Manipur was the Chief Guest, Shri P. Vaiphei, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Government of Manipur was the Guest of Honour and Dr. Kh. Palin, Chairman cum Managing Director, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Langol was the President of the function respectively. The Lamp was lighted by Shri Jarnail Singh, Honourable Chief Guest of the function.

The Oath taking ceremony for the budding nurses was conducted in the presence of their parents. The recitation of the oath was leaded by the principal of the institute.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Shri Jarnail Singh, Chief Secretary to the Government of Manipur, elaborated on the need of private parties involvement in delivering the health care services to the populace. He informed the gathering of the function that, Manipur has a shorter life expectancy in comparison to the national average by 3-4 years.

He also informed that the health care delivery system in Manipur is best in comparison to the other North Eastern states. He elaborated on the need of private player's participation in addressing the health care need of the people of the state, role of PPP (Public Private Partnership) model in building healthcare infrastructure. Wishing the students of the Shija Academy of Nursing on their Lamp Lighting Ceremony, he also wished for more growth and luck to Shija in the years to come.

Shri P. Vaiphei, Secretary- Health and Family Welfare, Government of Manipur, who was the Guest of Honour to the function, expressed that he is deeply impressed with the set up of the hospital and the dedication of its staffs in rendering the healthcare services.

Dr. Kh. Palin, Chairman cum Managing Director, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, in his presidential speech emphasized upon the growth of Shija Hospitals in the last 2 decades. He informed that Shija Academy of Nursing (SAN) is one of the milestone of Shija. The objective of SAN is to increase the nursing quality to the global standard so that any patient from any part of the world can ensure themselves for safe treatment. He also dwelt on the role of Florence Nightingle in starting this noble profession.

He also expressed his strong belief that India's Look East Policy will definitely include Health Care services. When India look for the Look East Policy he said there is no point of by passing Manipur as for land route they will have to pass through the state in order to cross over to the neighboring countries.

Considering the present cultural, political and social environment, people may question the feasibilities of any project that has to be taken up. He affirm that any project taken up is possible, provided any sensible individual or NGO takes it up with dedication and commitment to see Manipur as a developed state.

He expressed his strong desire to address the area of Mother and Child Care, Old Age Care, AIDS, Stem Cell and Cancer Research and Medical Education including Health Care Management courses. Infrastructure development in these areas will be a big problem, if the hospital decides to go privately by taking loans from financers.

He mentioned if the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model if adopted and the Government plans to invest in projects managed by effective private parties then it will be a boon to the people of the region. He drew the attention of the Chief Secretary to the matter.

Professional artiste presented an impressive musical show to mark the entertainment programme for the function. Students of Shija Academy of Nursing also presented a traditional dance.