To further strengthen Punjab's public health infrastructure, the state's Health and Family Welfare Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi.
This partnership will establish an NCDC state branch at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Manawala in Amritsar.
The MoU was signed between Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul and Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Senior Regional Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (GoI), in the presence of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh at Punjab Bhawan on Monday.
Sharing insights about the initiative, Dr. Balbir Singh stated that this collaboration will bring critical disease control expertise to Punjab, aligning with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ‘Sehat Kranti’ vision.
Highlighting the need for enhanced healthcare measures, Dr. Balbir Singh noted that with a rising population and an increase in communicable and infectious diseases, strengthening public health infrastructure is essential.
"The key objective is to enhance our disease surveillance system, improve outbreak investigation capabilities, and boost our rapid response to contain outbreaks, including communicable diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea," he said.
He emphasised that this initiative is a crucial step in preparing Punjab for future health crises, incorporating lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership will reinforce Integrated Disease Surveillance activities and improve the state’s preparedness for outbreaks and disasters.
The NCDC Punjab branch will also provide logistical support, including the storage and distribution of diagnostic kits, medicines, vaccines, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Additionally, it will focus on capacity-building programs for health personnel to strengthen Punjab’s healthcare system. Dr. Balbir Singh expressed confidence that this collaboration will significantly contribute to disease control efforts and public health improvement, aligning with the vision of creating a 'Rangla Punjab.'
The signing ceremony was attended by Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director of Family Welfare Dr. Jasminder, Deputy Director Dr. Rohini, and State Program Officer (IDSP) Dr. Manmeet Kaur Chahal.