Nagaland's DHFW signs MoU with The George Institute for Global Health to implement the PATANG project for strengthening health systems.
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DIMAPUR — The formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), Government of Nagaland, and The George Institute for Global Health, India, was held on Monday at the IDSP Conference Hall, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare.
During the prelude to the meeting, Dr. Thomas Keppen, Deputy Director, welcomed all guests and gave a preview of how the collaboration had come up with The George Institute for Global Health and the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
According to an update, he expressed his optimism that the MoU signing between the two institutions would be beneficial for the state of Nagaland.
Dr. Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, DHFW, in her institutional reflection speech, welcomed the partners from The George Institute for Global Health, India, and expressed that the important occasion of the MoU signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in a collective journey towards strengthening the health system and improving population health outcomes in Nagaland state.
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She said, ‘The signing of the MOU is not merely a formal agreement, but it is a commitment to co-operate in development, to collaborate, innovate and share responsibility.’
She added that The George Institute for Global Health has established itself as a leader in evidence-based research and system-wide health reforms, and Nagaland is honoured to join hands with such a distinguished institution. Together through the PATANG project—Promoting Community Action for Health—Dr. Senlem expressed hope to build Nagaland’s pioneering communitisation reforms.
Dr. Pallab Maulik, Director of The George Institute for Global Health India, reflected on the institute, describing it as a pure research organisation. He detailed that the PATANG project is actively working globally but focuses on India. It has 250 researchers and over 400 field staff working across the country, historically across all states of India except Jammu and Kashmir and Andaman.
He added that through the signing of the MoU, he looks forward to working with the Government of Nagaland and expects to work not only in research but also in capacity building.
Dr. Deviki Nambiar, Programme Director, also gave a presentation on the strategic roadmap and way forward for the PATANG initiatives.