In a significant achievement for health economics research in Northeast India, a PhD scholar from Nagaland University has been honoured with a prestigious national award. Welisou Mero, a dedicated research scholar, received the Gavin Mooney Prize for her insightful paper that critically examines the state of public healthcare services in Nagaland.
Recognising Excellence in Health Equity Research
The award was presented during the 13th Indian Health Economics and Policy Association (IHEPA) conference, which was recently hosted at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The university officially announced this accomplishment in a release on Tuesday. The Gavin Mooney Prize is an annual recognition that celebrates outstanding research contributing to equity-oriented thinking in the fields of health economics and health policy.
This esteemed prize commemorates the legacy of the late Professor Gavin Mooney, a pioneering health economist renowned for his relentless advocacy for equity in healthcare systems and his transformative influence on health policy frameworks worldwide. The award underscores research that aligns with his vision of a fairer health landscape.
Groundbreaking Study on Nagaland's Healthcare
Mero's award-winning paper is titled “Assessing public healthcare service quality in Nagaland: Insights from a case study in Phek district.” The research provides a deep dive into the functionality, accessibility, and quality of government healthcare services in a specific district of the state, offering empirical data and analysis that can inform future policy decisions.
The study was a collaborative effort, jointly prepared by the scholar under the guidance of her supervisor, Dr. Renbeni Kikon, who serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Economics at Nagaland University. This mentorship highlights the academic support and research environment fostering such impactful work at the university.
Implications for Policy and Future Research
The recognition of Mero's work brings a crucial spotlight on the specific healthcare challenges and needs of regions like Nagaland. Research focusing on local case studies is vital for developing nuanced and effective health policies that address ground realities rather than applying broad, one-size-fits-all solutions.
By winning this competitive prize, Welisou Mero has not only gained personal academic acclaim but has also elevated the discourse on health equity and public service quality in India's northeastern states. Her research sets a benchmark for evidence-based analysis that can bridge the gap between community healthcare experiences and higher-level policy planning, ultimately aiming for a more equitable and efficient health system for all citizens.
