The 18th foundation day of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal was celebrated, marking nearly two decades of contribution to medical education and quality healthcare in the Northeast region of India. The event underscored JNIMS’s ongoing achievements in enhancing tertiary healthcare services and fortifying its reputation among leading medical institutions. Notable attendees included Sumant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, and Prof. L. Usharani Devi, the Director of JNIMS.
During the ceremony, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unveiled the 18th Annual Report and the college magazine, Nongin, and presented awards to outstanding students. In his address, the Governor highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that JNIMS has evolved into a pivotal center for medical education and tertiary healthcare in Manipur over the past eighteen years. He emphasized the institute’s vital contribution to the state’s healthcare infrastructure through the education of skilled medical professionals and the establishment of advanced treatment facilities.
The Governor articulated a broader vision for medical education, advocating that it should be rooted in compassion, ethical standards, and community engagement. He remarked on the extended responsibilities of medical institutions which should include research, innovation, preventive healthcare, and public outreach. He expressed his approval of JNIMS’s involvement in national and state health initiatives, encouraging the institution to further enhance its research capabilities, adopt contemporary technologies, and align with national health objectives, expressing confidence in its continued excellence in the future.
Sumant Singh also noted that JNIMS has been bolstered by several important initiatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, enhancing its capacity for medical research and diagnostics. Among its facilities are a Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit, region-specific cancer research initiatives, an ICMR Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory network, a State Referral Laboratory for Rabies under the National Rabies Control Programme, and a Critical Care Block with 50 beds under the National Health Mission. The event saw participation from faculty, medical professionals, students, and other distinguished guests, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in the region.