AIIMS Nagpur, MUHS signs MoU to enhance research on Tribal health

Nashik: In a move to address the healthcare needs of tribal communities in Maharashtra, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nagpur and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) Nashik have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). 

The initiatives under this MoU will focus on collaborative research to advance tribal health addressing key health issues like sickle cell disease, genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and other prevalent health concerns in tribal communities.  

The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr Prashant P Joshi, Executive Director, AIIMS Nagpur, and Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice-Chancellor, MUHS, Nashik, Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, professor and chair of the MUHS regional centre, and MUHS regional director Dr Kiran Tawalare.

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This partnership aims to address healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes for the tribal communities in Maharashtra as tribal populations in India often face significant health challenges due to geographical isolation, limited access to healthcare facilities, and socioeconomic disparities. 

The MoU will remain in force for five years, with provisions for renewal and termination as mutually agreed upon by both parties.

Speaking on this occasion, Sanjeev Choudhary said, “This will be an important academic research initiative for the Nagpur Centre of MUHS." He emphasized the importance of research tailored to the unique healthcare needs of tribal populations and the potential impact on improving healthcare delivery systems.

As per the Medical Buyer report, Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar and Dr Joshi expressed that the partnership between AIIMS Nagpur & MUHS represents a meaningful step toward achieving greater health equality in Maharashtra, particularly for underprivileged tribal communities. The focus on tribal health will include research on prevalent diseases, healthcare delivery models, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern medical practices to enhance health outcomes.

Further, Dr Prashant Joshi told TOI, "Through this agreement, an important step has been taken towards solving the health problems of the tribal community. Tribal health is an important topic and needs more research. This agreement will give us more resources, expert guidance and new avenues towards research. The MoU will open a new chapter in the field of research.”

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