SBIF-Maatrichhaya Launched to Advancing Maternal and Neonatal Health in Uttar Pradesh

SBIF-Maatrichhaya initiatives are designed to complement government programs, extending the reach of quality, timely maternal health services to underserved communities.”

The launch was graced by Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Director General, Health & Family Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh, as Chief Guest, with Dr. Sharda Chaudhary, Director–MCH, as Special Guest, and Mr. Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO of SBIF, as Guest of Honour.

Speaking at the event, PSI India’s Executive Director, Mukesh Kumar Sharma, emphasized that the partnership between SBIF and PSI India represents a major step forward in strengthening maternal and neonatal health infrastructure across three priority districts. He highlighted the need to improve both the quality and reach of services so that every mother and newborn receives safe, dignified and respectful care.

Hitesh Sahni, Director–Programs, PSI India, shared an overview of the SBIF–Maatrichhaya project and its objectives, which include upgrading labour rooms in alignment with national quality standards, installing essential medical equipment, and training paramedical staff to ensure skilled, compassionate, and respectful delivery care. Through these interventions, the project aims to create model facilities that can demonstrate improved maternal care pathways and set benchmarks for replication.

Dr. Sharda Chaudhary expressed confidence that the SBIF–Maatrichhaya initiative would strengthen labour rooms in intervention facilities, equip service providers with improved counselling skills, and help connect pregnant women to timely and quality healthcare.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Shamita Pradhan, Deputy GM, MH Program, SPMU, NHM Uttar Pradesh, shared progress under various government schemes. She emphasized the continued need for upgraded facilities, trained staff, and positive attitudinal shifts among health personnel to ensure respectful maternity care.

SBIF’s MD & CEO, Mr. Sanjay Prakash, emphasized that the Foundation’s support through modern equipment and system strengthening is intended to enhance healthcare quality and outcomes in the most vulnerable regions.

The SBIF–Maatrichhaya project stands as a significant step toward PSI India’s mission of health system strengthening.