Guwahati: The Meghalaya government signed an agreement with Oxford Policy Management India to conduct an annual health survey with the goal of gathering comprehensive public health data for policy planning and monitoring healthcare initiatives throughout the state.
According to officials, the agreement was signed by the State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC) Meghalaya and Oxford Policy Management India in the presence of National Health Mission Meghalaya Mission Director Ramakrishna Chitturi.
D Valerie Laloo signed the deal on behalf of the state health department, with Prabal Vikram Singh representing the organization.
Officials noted that the program aims to improve evidence based healthcare delivery by collecting health-related data on a regular and detailed basis throughout Meghalaya.
Unlike traditional surveys conducted at regular intervals, the proposed exercise would focus on creating continuous public health statistics to help policymakers and improve healthcare program implementation.
Authorities stated that the survey data would aid in the identification of new health issues, the assessment of discrepancies between districts, and the more effective tracking of welfare program performance.
The administration also expects the program to improve accountability in healthcare delivery by allowing for tighter monitoring of services and outcomes across different regions of the state.
Officials added that timely and location specific data will allow departments to deploy resources more efficiently and make educated decisions on healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
The collaboration is part of Meghalaya's broader attempts to improve data driven governance and institutional monitoring in the public healthcare system, according to an official.