Shillong: Meghalaya hosted a delegation from Johns Hopkins University and the Gates Foundation for preliminary discussions on a proposed evaluation of the partnership between the Gates Foundation and the Government of Meghalaya aimed at strengthening the state's health system.

The Johns Hopkins team was led by Prof. Sara Bennett and Dr. Kriti Singh, while the Gates Foundation delegation was headed by Dr. Rajani Ved, Director (Health), India Country Office.

During the visit, the delegation met senior government officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department Dr. Sampath Kumar, Health Secretary Ramkumar S., National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director Ramakrishna Chitturi, and directors of various health services.

The team also held interactions with key state institutions, including the State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC), Regional Health and Family Welfare Training Centre (RHFWTC), Meghalaya Health Systems Strengthening Project (MHSSP), Meghalayan Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL), and the Centre for Developing Child (CDC).

The visit marks the first step in assessing how investments in local institutions and capacity-building initiatives have contributed to strengthening Meghalaya's healthcare system.

Speaking on the significance of the evaluation, Health Secretary Ramkumar S. underscored the need to understand the factors that foster institutional ownership, stating that sustainable health system reforms depend on individuals and organisations embracing change at every level.

Discussions during the visit focused on identifying factors that support or hinder institutional performance, documenting key lessons learned, and generating insights to inform future health system strengthening efforts in Meghalaya and other regions.