Goa, December 2, 2024: Pfizer India, in partnership with the Government of Goa, Goa Medical College (GMC), Directorate of Health Services (DHS), and Americares India Foundation, has launched Project Parivartan, an initiative to enhance infection prevention and control (IPC) across Goa’s public healthcare facilities. Supported by Pfizer’s CSR program, the project aligns with India’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the World Health Organization’s global health priorities.
The project aims to address AMR, recognized as one of WHO's top 10 global health threats, which could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unchecked. A 2021 ICMR study highlighted the urgency, reporting AMR-related fatality rates of 38.1% in bloodstream infections and 27.9% in urinary tract infections.
Speaking at the launch event hosted by GMC and DHS, Vishwajit Rane, Goa’s Health Minister, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “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,” he said.
Ms. Meenakshi Nevatia, Managing Director of Pfizer India, highlighted the company’s dedication to addressing AMR through collaborative efforts. “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,” she noted.
The project, running from November 2024 to April 2028, aims to establish a state-wide framework for antimicrobial stewardship and IPC, reduce healthcare-associated infections, and optimize antibiotic use. Initial efforts will focus on GMC and two district hospitals, with plans to scale to all 36 public health facilities in phases.
S. M. Bandekar, Dean of GMC, stressed the need for collective action, saying, “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.”
Mr. V. S. Chandrashekar, Country Director of Americares India Foundation, praised the initiative's comprehensive approach. “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,” he said.
The initiative aims to address AMR and enhance healthcare delivery in Goa.
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