The Fernandez Hospital Education and Research Foundation (FHERF) in Hyderabad, known as the research division of Fernandez Foundation (FF), has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Sri Sathya Sai Health & Education Trust (SSSH&ET) based in Telangana. This partnership aims to bolster initiatives to promote better health outcomes for mothers and newborns.
### Upgrading Intrapartum Care
The alliance anticipates elevating the standard of intrapartum healthcare at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals managed by SSSH&ET throughout India.
### A Strategic Collaboration
Experts have indicated that the memorandum of understanding came into existence after a thorough assessment of each organization’s strengths and the potential synergies therein.
### Training and Research Initiatives
Within this collaborative framework, the Fernandez team will familiarize the Sanjeevani medical personnel with the principles of midwifery care. A tiered midwifery training program is slated for the Sanjeevani nursing staff, blending online and face-to-face training sessions crafted by Fernandez. Additionally, joint research endeavors will address essential maternal and neonatal health issues, such as diabetes and preterm births, evaluating the training’s impact on maternal experiences.
### Leadership Insights
Dr. Evita Fernandez, chairman and managing director of Fernandez Foundation, stated, “Fernandez has long advocated for childbirth practices centered on women’s autonomy, enabling them to make informed choices during pregnancy and delivery. Midwifery is globally acknowledged for minimizing medical intervention in childbirth. Our intention is to extend our accomplishments in midwifery by educating healthcare providers about this philosophy.”
Dr. C. Sreenivas, chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Health & Education Trust added, “Our mutual aspiration is to provide superior care to all mothers, irrespective of their socio-cultural or financial background. With our significant reach and domain expertise, we aim to deliver compassionate, evidence-based quality care to underserved women and their families during the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early infancy stages.”
### Acknowledgments and Impact
Both leaders conveyed their appreciation to UNICEF for facilitating this instrumental partnership, which is anticipated to significantly impact the national healthcare landscape.
### Pioneers in Birthing Practices
Since its foundational years, FHERF has been at the forefront of reforming birthing practices in India, driven by a mission to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. FHERF’s research initiatives have led to breakthroughs like kangaroo mother care, human milk banks, and midwife-led care.
### Nationwide Influence
The Sri Sathya Sai Health and Education Trust operates prestigious healthcare institutions nationwide, committed to offering free healthcare services across all backgrounds, unrelated to ethnicity, religion, citizenship, or economic status.