Kohima, August 20: The Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) on Thursday organised a one-day media sensitisation programme in Kohima to strengthen public awareness and reporting on the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).
Purpose and participation
The workshop, held under the theme “Enhancing media awareness and public outreach on AB PM-JAY & CMHIS,” brought together media professionals from Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung along with NHPS officials and representatives of the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland. NHPS organised the session to improve coordination with the media and reinforce accurate, responsible reporting on both schemes.
Key messages and next steps
In his welcome address, Thavaseelan K, Chief Executive Officer of NHPS, emphasised the media’s role in ensuring timely and reliable information reaches beneficiaries. He urged journalists to deepen public understanding of scheme objectives, operational details and implementation challenges so eligible individuals do not miss out on benefits.
“These are not merely schemes on paper. They are instruments of hope and support for individuals and families who depend on accessible and affordable healthcare,” said Thavaseelan K.
NHPS officials and participating journalists identified practical measures to enhance outreach and reporting. Among the immediate proposals were creating a dedicated WhatsApp group to enable regular updates and a recommendation to hold the next sensitisation session in Dimapur to widen coverage.
- Improve coordination between NHPS and media for frequent, accurate updates.
- Form a WhatsApp group for constant contact and rapid dissemination of scheme information.
- Schedule subsequent media sensitisation in Dimapur to engage more press personnel.
Presentations and discussions
During the workshop, officials outlined scheme processes and discussed how journalists could report effectively on entitlements, enrollment, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Dr Yingnei Wangnao, Deputy CEO of NHPS, provided an overview of benefits under AB PM-JAY and CMHIS and explained implementation aspects, according to the programme report.
Speakers highlighted that accurate reporting can help close the information gap that prevents eligible people from gaining access to healthcare benefits. The session also stressed responsible coverage to prevent misinformation and manage beneficiary expectations.
Stakeholders and roles
| Stakeholder | Role at the event |
|---|---|
| Nagaland Health Protection Society (NHPS) | Organiser; provided scheme overview and implemented coordination measures |
| Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland | Co-organiser and policy implementer |
| Media persons (Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung) | Participants tasked with improving public outreach through accurate reporting |
Why this matters locally
Both AB PM-JAY and CMHIS are central to reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs for eligible households. In Nagaland, where geographical and informational barriers can limit access to entitlements, effective media outreach can play a significant part in ensuring cards are issued, hospitalisations are covered and benefits reach intended recipients.
Officials at the workshop underlined that aside from explaining scheme features, journalists can help citizens navigate registration channels and grievance procedures, and can highlight systemic issues that require administrative attention.
Follow-up and expectations
Participants agreed on a set of follow-up actions designed to sustain communication between NHPS and the press. The proposed WhatsApp group is intended to offer real-time clarifications, share official advisories and circulate updates about enrollment drives or empanelment of hospitals. A subsequent sensitisation in Dimapur is expected to broaden media engagement across the state.
NHPS said it would continue to collaborate with media stakeholders to promote transparent, accurate reporting on AB PM-JAY and CMHIS to improve beneficiary uptake and awareness.
