The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is poised to launch Maharashtra’s maiden Model Immunisation Centre (MIC) at Kamala Nehru Hospital (KNH), heralding a significant stride in combatting vaccine-preventable diseases and bolstering healthcare services for city dwellers.
Enhancing Vaccine Accessibility
Scheduled to commence operations next month, the MIC at Pune’s Kamala Nehru Hospital aims to cater to a diverse urban populace, offering streamlined and high-quality immunisation services. This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in the city’s healthcare infrastructure and is set to become a benchmark for immunisation centres across the state.
Groundbreaking Collaboration
Distinguished by its innovative approach, MIC Pune is the flagship centre established under the Momentum Routine Immunisation Transformation and Equity (MRITE) project, a collaborative endeavor between the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Saathi. The project, spanning 19 districts of Maharashtra, including Pune, has been instrumental in fortifying urban immunisation efforts, with a focus on capacity building and pioneering initiatives such as GIS mapping and MIC implementation.
Patient-Centric Design
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, the MIC at KNH is designed to prioritize patient comfort and convenience. Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, PMC’s health officer, elaborated on the centre’s features, including dedicated areas for immunisation services, cold chain management, and pre- and post-vaccination waiting zones. With child-friendly amenities, play areas, and breastfeeding facilities, the MIC aims to create a nurturing environment conducive to positive vaccination experiences.
Empowering Communities
The MIC will serve as an invaluable resource for residents, offering essential information on age-appropriate vaccinations and follow-up care. Through initiatives like the ‘beneficiary experience exit interview,’ the centre seeks to ensure sustained quality of care and continuous improvement. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, PMC’s city immunisation officer, emphasized the committee’s role in monitoring the centre’s operations, ensuring adherence to national immunisation guidelines, and fostering community engagement.
Empowering Communities
The MIC will serve as an invaluable resource for residents, offering essential information on age-appropriate vaccinations and follow-up care. Through initiatives like the ‘beneficiary experience exit interview,’ the centre seeks to ensure sustained quality of care and continuous improvement. Dr. Rajesh Dighe, PMC’s city immunisation officer, emphasized the committee’s role in monitoring the centre’s operations, ensuring adherence to national immunisation guidelines, and fostering community engagement.
Future Outlook
With its patient-centric approach and commitment to excellence, Pune’s Model Immunisation Centre stands poised to revolutionize vaccine delivery and community health outcomes. As the city marches towards universal immunisation coverage, this pioneering initiative sets a precedent for transformative healthcare interventions nationwide.
