Kiphire, Nov 14: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday handed over critical medical equipment to the District Hospital Kiphire under the State Bank of India’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the remote district of Nagaland.

During her visit, Sitharaman said her presence in Nagaland was “a blessing” and noted that she prioritises facilitating substantial CSR contributions to address the state’s resource constraints. According to officials, the CSR support includes blood bank equipment worth Rs 5.81 lakh, general hospital equipment valued at Rs 59 lakh, and five bike ambulances for primary health centres in Kiphire district amounting to Rs 20 lakh. She also flagged off the multi-utility bike ambulances.

At the hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr Watsutho Nyuthe presented a review of the existing facilities and services. The Union Minister was accompanied by Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along and other senior officials.

Sitharaman arrived in Nagaland on a three-day official tour and was received at Dimapur airport by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang and cabinet ministers. The Ministry of Finance stated that her visit aims to review the progress of central schemes in Kiphire—an Aspirational District—and enhance Centre–state coordination on development initiatives.

On Friday, the Minister will interact with Anganwadi workers and attend the Atmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall. She is scheduled to inaugurate the government Industrial Training Institute, interact with students, and launch NSRLM stalls along with a Credit Outreach Programme at the Government High School Ground.

The Minister will later travel to Kohima to witness an MoU exchange between the Telangana State Network and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, launch the ‘SAMARTH’ and Digital Hardware initiatives, and interact with students at NIELIT Kohima.

On Saturday, she will inaugurate the AI Centre of Excellence for Skilling at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre in Dimapur, and review the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment project at Niathu Resort before concluding her visit and returning to New Delhi.