State signs 9 MoUs with Tata Trust

In a bid to improve medical services along with women empowerment, reduce malnutrition and improve social development index in the state, the Maharashtra state government on Thursday signed nine memorandums of understanding (MoU) with the Tata Trust. Trust chief Ratan Tata was present at the time of signing the MoU with state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and appraised the state’s initiative taken in health sector.

An official from the chief minister’s office said, Tata trust will form a National Cancer Grid, which will connect all government hospitals and medical colleges.

On Thursday, Mr Fadnavis announced the decision in the Legislative Assembly. Mr Fadnavis said that Tata Trust would make available various facilities for free in areas of governance, data management, healthcare and nutrition, literacy and welfare initiatives and programmes.

The National Cancer Grid will be connected to all government run hospitals and medical colleges, he said.

In order to address other micronutrient (iodine, iron)-related deficiencies and anaemia, Tata Trust will work with the state government to design a micronutrient deficiency prevention programme and control strategy with a special emphasis on food fortification, Mr Fadnavis said.

The trust aims to reach every village in the state and make women ‘internet literate’ within three years.