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Pfizer India, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Directorate of Health Services (DHS), and Americares India Foundation, launched Project Parivartan. Supported through Pfizer’s CSR programme, the initiative aims to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) across Goa’s public healthcare facilities, aligning with India’s National Action Plan on AMR and WHO’s global health priorities.
The initiative was inaugurated by Goa Minister for Health, Vishwajit Rane. A partnership between the Government of Goa, GMC, DHS, Americares India Foundation, and Pfizer India, supported through Pfizer’s CSR program. Project Parivartan addresses the urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recognized by WHO as a top 10 global health threat, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if unaddressed. A 2021 ICMR study reported AMR-related fatality rates of 38.1% in bloodstream infections and 27.9% in urinary tract infections, underscoring the critical need for action.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Rane said, “The Government of Goa and the ministry of health is committed to developing evidence-based policies that address AMR and hospital-acquired infections. With Pfizer’s valuable contributions and our esteemed partners, Project Parivartan will drive safer healthcare practices, reducing preventable mortality and morbidity.”
Meenakshi Nevatia, managing director, Pfizer India, said, “Project Parivartan reflects Pfizer’s steadfast commitment to tackling critical health challenges like antimicrobial resistance in collaboration with our healthcare partners. By uniting expertise, resources, and shared vision, this initiative builds on our efforts with Americares India Foundation to drive systemic improvements in infection prevention and control. We hope this project serves as a blueprint for healthcare institutions across India to strengthen AMR stewardship and deliver better health outcomes for all.”
The project will be implemented from November 2024 to April 2028, focusing on developing a state-wide framework for Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and IPC. It will reduce healthcare-associated infections and optimize antibiotic use. It will conducting baseline assessments, creating surveillance tools, and delivering specialized training programs. Besides it will strengthen capacity of medical teams to foster safer healthcare environments and promote rational antibiotic use.
The programme will initially be implemented at GMC and two district hospitals, with plans to expand to all 36 public health facilities across the state in phases.
S M Bandekar, Dean, Goa Medical College and Hospital, said “As the nodal agency for Goa’s AMR action plan, GMC is committed to tackling this challenge. I urge healthcare providers to join Project Parivartan and deliver better patient outcomes.”
V S Chandrashekar, country director, Americares India Foundation, said, “Project Parivartan reinforces our commitment to sustainable healthcare. We are grateful to work with the Directorate of Health Services to address critical gaps in infrastructure, equipment, and skills. Over the years, Americares India has helped 19 of the State’s 25 Primary Health Centres meet national quality standards, strengthening the state’s public health capacity.”
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