Punjab signs MoU with Jhpiego to boost maternal and child health services
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 28, 2026: In a major step towards strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare, the Punjab government has signed a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global non-profit Jhpiego to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.
The agreement was formalised between National Health Mission (NHM) Punjab and Jhpiego, with Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Kumar Rahul and Jhpiego Country Director Dr Amit Arun Shah signing the MoU in the presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh.
Sharing details, Dr Balbir Singh said the collaboration marks a significant push to improve Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCHA+N) services in line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
He added that the initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to innovation-driven healthcare reforms and aims to position the state as a leader in digital health systems.
The partnership will focus on strengthening antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care through better identification and management of high-risk pregnancies.
Emphasising the role of technology, the minister said digital and data-driven approaches will be used to improve monitoring and timely interventions.
Under the MoU, the state will enhance integration of key digital health platforms, including beneficiary tracking systems, IoT-enabled devices, and labour room monitoring mechanisms.
These tools will enable real-time tracking of pregnant women and newborns, helping healthcare providers identify complications early and respond effectively.
The collaboration will also include capacity building of healthcare workers, supportive supervision, and policy-level technical assistance.
Officials said these efforts are expected to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates and contribute towards achieving national and global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
Senior officials from the Health Department, NHM Punjab, and other stakeholders were present during the signing ceremony.