The Punjab government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to establish a state branch in Amritsar. This partnership is set to bolster disease surveillance, outbreak response, and overall public health preparedness in the region.
The MoU was signed on Monday at Punjab Bhawan, with Principal Secretary of Health Kumar Rahul and Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Senior Regional Director of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, representing the respective parties. The signing ceremony was also attended by Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh.
Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted that the initiative is in line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s “Sehat Kranti” vision, aiming to enhance healthcare infrastructure and public health management in Punjab. He noted that with a growing population and the rising prevalence of communicable diseases, strengthening the state’s disease control systems is more crucial than ever.
The NCDC branch, located at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Manawala in Amritsar, will focus on improving disease surveillance, enhancing outbreak investigation capabilities, and strengthening rapid response measures to manage communicable diseases, including cholera and diarrhoea. Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that this partnership will play a pivotal role in preparing the state for potential health crises, taking lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic into account.
Key aspects of the collaboration include reinforcing Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) activities, supporting the storage and distribution of essential medical supplies such as diagnostic kits, vaccines, medicines, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and conducting capacity-building programs for healthcare personnel.
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance Punjab’s ability to handle future health challenges, ensuring the state is better prepared for potential outbreaks and health emergencies. Dr. Balbir Singh expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute to the vision of a “Rangla Punjab” with a robust healthcare system.
The signing event was also attended by senior officials, including Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director of Family Welfare Dr. Jasminder, Deputy Director Dr. Rohini, and State Program Officer for IDSP Dr. Manmeet Kaur Chahal.
The establishment of the NCDC branch in Amritsar marks a significant step towards advancing public health infrastructure and enhancing disease control measures in Punjab.
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