The Uttarakhand government and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday. This agreement aims to deliver integrated primary healthcare services to civilians living in 108 border villages. The signing ceremony took place at the chief minister's residence in Dehradun.
Strengthening Border Healthcare
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the importance of this initiative. He stated that the Swasth Seema Abhiyaan represents a significant step forward. It will improve living standards for people in border areas. The program will strengthen healthcare facilities. It will also promote trust, security, and stability in these remote villages.
"The government remains fully committed to the overall development of border regions," Dhami emphasized. "This MoU marks an important milestone in that direction."
How the Partnership Will Work
This initiative launches as Phase I of the Swasth Seema Abhiyaan. The ITBP headquarters, Northern Frontier, Dehradun, serves as the first party in the agreement. The Uttarakhand government's department of medical health and family welfare acts as the second party.
Under the MoU, the ITBP will deploy qualified doctors and paramedical staff. They will make their medical inspection rooms and telemedicine facilities available for civilian use. Healthcare services will reach border villages through regular scheduled visits.
Key Responsibilities Outlined
The agreement specifies several important responsibilities for both parties:
- The ITBP will maintain medical health cards and beneficiary records.
- They will ensure proper management of medical equipment, medicines, and consumables.
- The state government will provide demographic data of the concerned villages.
- They will supply essential medical equipment at the initial stage.
- A continuous supply of medicines and other materials will be ensured every six months based on consumption patterns.
- The state government will handle emergency evacuations and provide telecommunication support.
- They will also take ownership of equipment and manage replacements when necessary.
Previous Collaborations Showing Results
ITBP officials provided updates on earlier agreements with the state government. One MoU focused on the supply of local products from border areas. Under this arrangement, a 25% supply began on a trial basis in November 2024. Full 100% procurement will start from March 2025.
Products being procured include live sheep and goats, live chicken, Himalayan trout, fresh milk, cheese, and TPM. These items come through cooperative societies. So far, meat, fish, and milk worth over Rs 11.9 crore have been purchased. Procurement worth Rs 32.7 crore has been proposed for 2026.
Improving Connectivity in Remote Areas
Another agreement with the state tourism department concerns helipad operations. A total of 221 helicopter landings have been conducted so far under this arrangement. This has significantly improved connectivity and strengthened supply chains in border and remote areas.
The Swasth Seema Abhiyaan represents a comprehensive approach to border area development. By combining healthcare services with economic opportunities and improved connectivity, the initiative addresses multiple challenges faced by residents of Uttarakhand's border villages.
