Union Health Secretary Leads Annual Meeting of Norway India Partnership Initiative
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava led the annual meeting of the Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) today, alongside H.E. May-Elin Stener, the Norwegian Ambassador to India. The meeting focused on reviewing the NIPI Progress Report for 2025 and approving the budgeted work plans for the 2025-26 phase of the initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s health services through innovative strategies and shared best practices.
Significance of the NIPI Initiative
During her address, Smt. Srivastava emphasized the importance of the NIPI as a model for collaborative efforts in public health. She noted that the initiative showcases how various stakeholders can converge their efforts to achieve significant results. The Union Health Secretary highlighted India’s role as a fertile ground for innovation, stating that the country is committed to sharing successful practices from the initiative for broader application. This approach aligns with the Indian government’s strategy of working closely with states and Union Territories to achieve desired health outcomes.
Smt. Srivastava also pointed out the value of the Indian Public Health Standards – Open Data Kit (IPHS ODK) Tool, which was developed under the NIPI. This tool aids in assessing health standards and helps states quickly identify gaps in their health services. By providing targeted support, the tool aims to elevate health standards across various regions. She concluded her remarks by reaffirming the Union Health Ministry’s commitment to the partnership and its ongoing collaboration with Norway.
Celebrating Two Decades of Partnership
H.E. May-Elin Stener reflected on the significance of the partnership, noting that it will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. She acknowledged the innovative and catalytic interventions that have emerged from this collaboration, which have led to substantial improvements in health outcomes. Stener highlighted that the Indian government has invested significantly more—26 times the amount contributed by Norway—underscoring the importance of this partnership in advancing health services.
Stener remarked on India’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation, emphasizing that the commitment to health services is crucial for achieving this objective. She noted the considerable advancements in India’s health sector since the partnership began in 2006, illustrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts in addressing health challenges.
Key Deliverables and Future Directions
The meeting also included a presentation discussing key deliverables of the NIPI, such as the IPHS ODK Toolkit, the establishment of an Innovation Hub within the National Health Mission (NHM), and the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) algorithm. Other notable initiatives include the creation of a Pre-Pregnancy Care Model, a ‘Self-Care’ Cervical Cancer Screening Model, and the formulation of Integrated Home-Based Care for Newborns and Children (HBNCC) Guidelines. These initiatives aim to enhance health service delivery and improve health outcomes across partner states.
The NIPI is built on an agreement between the governments of Norway and India, focusing on achieving India’s National Health Policy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Currently in its fourth phase, the initiative provides essential technical support to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the NHMs of partner states, including Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. The partnership has successfully implemented various health innovations and generated valuable knowledge, serving as a platform for strengthening health systems based on evidence.
Governance and Collaboration
The governance of the NIPI is structured around an Annual Meeting and Joint Steering Committee, which includes representatives from both the Indian and Norwegian governments, as well as the implementing agency. This meeting is chaired by the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare from India and co-chaired by the Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi. The committee is responsible for setting priorities, discussing results, and approving reports and work plans prepared by the implementing partner.
The recent meeting was attended by several key officials, including Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary of the Union Health Ministry, and Dr. Ashfaq Bhat, Program Director of NIPI. The presence of senior officials from the Union Health Ministry and principal health secretaries from partner states underscores the collaborative spirit of the initiative, aimed at enhancing health services and outcomes across India.
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