Patna: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna and Population Services International (PSI) India have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen family planning programmes in Bihar.
The collaboration will focus on introducing new contraceptive options, conducting research and evaluation, building institutional capacity and developing innovative approaches to teaching, training and knowledge sharing.
Focus on Research and Evidence-Based Family Planning
Under the agreement, AIIMS Patna and PSI India will jointly undertake research in areas of mutual interest and document programme experiences and findings. The partnership will also support academic collaboration, faculty development and institutional strengthening.
AIIMS Patna will provide technical and academic leadership for the research component. The institute will develop assessment tools, measurement mechanisms and evaluation frameworks for family planning programmes, besides providing technical guidance on data collection and statistical analysis.
The required Institutional Review Board and other ethical clearances for studies undertaken under the collaboration will also be obtained by AIIMS Patna.
Digital and Experiential Learning to Be Explored
The partnership will explore digital and experiential learning approaches to improve teaching, training and knowledge dissemination. Jointly developed resources may include training materials, learning content, publications and digital resources.
Both organisations will nominate nodal officers to oversee planning, communication, coordination and documentation. The Head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at AIIMS Patna will serve as the institute’s nodal person.
Joint review meetings will be conducted quarterly or at mutually agreed intervals to assess the progress of the collaboration.
MoU Is Non-Financial in Nature
The MoU is non-financial and is intended to provide a framework for institutional cooperation. PSI India will make budgetary provisions for logistics, travel and honorarium for technical experts associated with project activities.
The agreement also outlines joint responsibility and appropriate attribution for research and knowledge products developed through the partnership.
AIIMS Patna Highlights Public Health Impact
The MoU was signed by Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Executive Director, PSI India, and Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal, Executive Director, AIIMS Patna.
Prof. Agarwal said collaboration between academic institutions and organisations with programme implementation expertise can help bridge the gap between research evidence and public health action.
The three-year partnership is expected to create a sustained platform for research, evaluation, academic exchange and knowledge generation, with the broader aim of strengthening family planning programmes and supporting evidence-based public health decision-making in Bihar.
