In a major push to strengthen child healthcare services, the Maharashtra Public Health Department on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Nagpur. The MoU signed aims at tackling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among children.
The initiative, launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to establish dedicated ‘Childhood NCD Clinics’ across district hospitals in the state.
As per the official statement, these clinics will focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes, congenital heart disease, asthma, obesity, sickle cell disease, mental health conditions, and developmental disorders.
CM Fadnavis says, “Safeguarding children’s health is vital”
Calling the initiative a “crucial step”, Fadnavis emphasised that safeguarding children’s health is vital for the state’s future. He noted that addressing non-communicable diseases requires collective efforts beyond the healthcare sector, involving broader societal participation.
Under the agreement, special emphasis will be placed on training healthcare personnel, implementing standardised treatment protocols, strengthening data collection systems, and ensuring expert guidance from specialists at AIIMS Nagpur.
The MoU, spearheaded by the state’s Public Health Department, will remain in force for three years and is expected to significantly improve the quality, accessibility, and inclusivity of healthcare services for children across Maharashtra.
The signing ceremony was attended by Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar, Principal Secretary Dr Nipun Vinayak, Health Services Commissioner Dr Kadambari Balkawade, Deputy Secretary Vilas Bendre, Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur Dr Prashant Joshi; and paediatrician Dr Meenakshi Girish, along with other officials and representatives.
