Pfizer India, in collaboration with the Goa state government, Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), Directorate of Health Services (DHS), and Americares India Foundation, has introduced Project Parivartan. Backed by Pfizer’s corporate social responsibility initiative, this project focuses on bolstering infection prevention and control (IPC) within Goa’s public health institutions, in line with India’s National Action Plan on AMR and the WHO’s global health directives.
The inauguration was led by Vishwajit Rane, the Goa Minister for Health. This partnership involving the Government of Goa, GMC, DHS, Americares India Foundation, and Pfizer India—supported by Pfizer’s CSR funds—targets the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The WHO identifies AMR as a top 10 global health threat, with projections indicating it could result in 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if not addressed. A study by ICMR in 2021 highlighted AMR-related death rates of 38.1% for bloodstream infections and 27.9% for urinary tract infections, emphasizing the urgent need for measures.
Minister Rane commented, “The Government of Goa, along with the ministry of health, pledges to develop data-backed policies combating AMR and hospital-acquired infections. With Pfizer’s significant support and our trusted partners, Project Parivartan will foster safer healthcare practices, decreasing unnecessary mortality and morbidity.”
According to Meenakshi Nevatia, managing director of Pfizer India, “Project Parivartan stands testament to Pfizer’s unwavering dedication to addressing vital health issues, like antimicrobial resistance, alongside our healthcare associates. By pooling expertise, resources, and a united vision, this project continues our partnerships with Americares India Foundation to implement systemic enhancements in infection prevention and control. We aspire for this initiative to serve as a model for other healthcare entities across India to enhance AMR management and promote improved health results for all.”
The project, scheduled for implementation from November 2024 to April 2028, aims to establish a state-wide guide for Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and IPC. It seeks to diminish healthcare-associated infections and rationalize antibiotic use through conducting baseline studies, developing monitoring instruments, and offering specialized training sessions. Additionally, it will build the capabilities of medical teams to create safer healthcare settings and encourage judicious antibiotic usage.
Initially, the program will be launched at GMC and two district hospitals, with plans for phased expansion to cover all 36 public health centers throughout the state.
S M Bandekar, Dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital, stated, “As the principal agency for Goa’s AMR strategy, GMC is dedicated to overcoming this issue. I encourage healthcare providers to engage with Project Parivartan for improved patient care.”
V S Chandrashekar, country head of Americares India Foundation, noted, “Project Parivartan strengthens our dedication to sustainable healthcare. We appreciate collaborating with the Directorate of Health Services to bridge critical infrastructure, equipment, and skills gaps. Over the years, Americares India has assisted 19 of the State’s 25 Primary Health Centers in attaining national quality benchmarks, thus fortifying the state’s public health framework.”