In a step aimed at strengthening healthcare and education services in Nagaland, the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) and Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) jointly flagged off Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and handed over several public service assets during a ceremony held at Chümoukedima on Thursday. The initiative, implemented under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership, will benefit six districts — Kohima, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Tseminyu, and Zunheboto. The programme was attended by Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, IDAN Chairman Abu Metha, senior officials of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and representatives of various government departments. The initiative includes the distribution of ALS ambulances, medical equipment for health institutions, and infrastructure support for selected government schools. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rio congratulated IDAN and Toyota Kirloskar Motor for the partnership and described the initiative as important for improving public services in the state.
He recalled that Toyota has been associated with Nagaland for many years and has supported healthcare services, trauma care, and sports injury treatment. He also mentioned the company’s regular support during the Hornbill Festival, where vehicles provided by Toyota have been used for official purposes.The Chief Minister also spoke about the growing relationship between Nagaland and Japan, highlighting cooperation in areas such as cultural exchange, employment opportunities for Naga youth in Japan, Japanese language courses at Nagaland University, and projects like the Kohima Peace Memorial and Eco Park. He said these collaborations reflect long-term friendship and cooperation built over many years. Emphasising the importance of corporate social responsibility, Rio noted that healthcare and education remain priority sectors for the state government. He pointed out that Nagaland’s literacy rate has improved significantly over the decades and stressed the need to extend quality facilities to remote and interior areas. He urged departments receiving the assets to maintain them properly and use them effectively for public service.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton said the initiative would directly strengthen healthcare and education facilities in the six districts. He informed that the healthcare component includes ALS ambulances for four health centres along with medical and non-medical equipment for eleven health institutions. In the education sector, two government schools have been selected on a pilot basis to receive furniture, sports materials, and kitchen equipment. He emphasised that the assets should be used regularly for public service and maintained carefully. Speaking to the media after the programme, IDAN Chairman Abu Metha said the CSR initiative was finalised soon after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the state and Toyota Kirloskar Motor. He stated that the total value of assets being distributed is more than Rs. 10 crore and includes ambulances, X-ray machines, medical equipment, and school infrastructure support. Metha explained that a joint assessment by Toyota’s team and the state health department helped identify the specific needs of each facility.To ensure transparency, he said CSR funds were not routed through IDAN. Instead, Toyota directly handled procurement, installation, and implementation through its vendors to ensure proper delivery and utilisation. He added that although the present phase covers six districts, future initiatives are expected to focus more on remote and backward areas.
