Chhattisgarh has entered into formal partnerships with five national and international institutions to enhance the quality and reach of healthcare services across the state. The Department of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to improve healthcare infrastructure, service delivery, and overall public health outcomes.
Led by Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, the initiative aims to align Chhattisgarh’s health systems with global standards by ensuring technical support, policy coordination, and collaborative programme implementation. The MoUs were signed at Mahanadi Bhawan in Nava Raipur in the presence of senior officials, including Public Health Secretary Amit Kataria, Commissioner-cum-Director Dr Priyanka Shukla, Director of Epidemic Control Dr S.K. Pambhoi, nodal officers, and representatives from partner organisations.
As part of this move, the state is rolling out the “Chhattisgarh Saathi” framework to institutionalise coordination among various health stakeholders. A high-level committee has been constituted to facilitate convergence of technical expertise, strategic planning, and joint programme execution.
Among the partners, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will strengthen immunisation efforts, while AIIMS Raipur will support maternal and child health initiatives. UNICEF will work on improving nutrition and maternal safety. The World Health Organization (WHO) will help enhance disease surveillance and control for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. NIMHANS will provide technical guidance to expand mental health services. Additionally, Centre for Catalyzing Change (C3) will support adolescent health under the National Adolescent Health Programme, and the Bihar Voluntary Health Association (BVHA) will lead targeted efforts for vulnerable groups.
The initiative focuses on building structural capacity, strengthening digital health systems, enhancing human resource development, and expanding services to underserved communities. Key goals include reducing maternal and infant mortality, improving transparency in service delivery, and enabling equitable healthcare access.
According to state officials, the partnerships reflect Chhattisgarh’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, the initiative is expected to align the state’s health indicators with both national and international standards.