The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland and The George Institute for Global Health, India, formally entered into a MOU on February 16. (Photo Courtesy: DHoFW)
Kohima, February 16 (MExN): The Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), Government of Nagaland, and The George Institute for Global Health, India, formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday to collaborate on strengthening the state’s health systems.
The agreement was signed at the IDSP Conference Hall, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, on February 16. The partnership will focus on the PATANG (Promoting Community Action for Health) project, which aims to build upon Nagaland’s community-led health reforms, stated an update received here.
Speaking at the prelude of the signing meetinf, Dr Thomas Keppen, Deputy Director, outlined the journey leading to the collaboration and expressed optimism that the partnership would be highly beneficial for the state of Nagaland.
Dr Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director of DHFW, described the occasion as the beginning of a “new chapter” in the collective journey towards strengthening health system and improving population health outcomes in Nagaland State.
“The signing of this MOU is not merely a formal agreement but it is a commitment to co-operate development to collaborate, innovate and share responsibility,” she stated.
She noted that The George Institute is a leader in evidence-based research and health reforms, adding, “Nagaland is honoured to join hands with such a distinguished institution.” Dr Senlem expressed confidence that this initiative would empower communities, improve health literacy, and foster stronger partnerships between civil society, the government and the people.
Dr Pallab Maulik, Director of The George Institute for Global Health India, described his organization as a pure research organisation. He detailed that the PATANG project is actively working globally but focused on India. It has 250 researchers and over 400 field staff who works across the country and historically worked across all states of India except in Jammu and Kashmir and Andaman.
A presentation on the strategic roadmap and way forward for the PATANG initiatives was delivered by Dr Deviki Nambiar, Program Director. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Manyau Phom, Deputy Director.
