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To further ramp up the public health infrastructure in the state, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi to establish a state branch at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Manawala in the Amritsar district.

 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 on Monday. 

The minister  stated that this MoU will facilitate the introduction of essential disease control expertise directly to the state of Punjab.  He informed that due to the increase in population, along with emerging and re-emerging communicable and infectious diseases, it is crucial to upgrade and strengthen our public healthcare infrastructure. "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 added.

Underlining the importance of this collaboration, the Health Minister stated that it is a vital step in preparing Punjab for future health crises, drawing the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also emphasised that this partnership will support the state in strengthening Integrated Disease Surveillance activities, as well as enhancing preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks and disasters.

 He said that the NCDC Punjab will offer logistical support, including the storage and distribution of diagnostic kits, drugs, vaccines, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, it will assist in the capacity building of health personnel to address public health challenges. This MoU holds significant importance for Punjab's healthcare system, positively impacting disease control and public health in the state.