Uttarakhand Signs MoU with ITBP to Launch Healthy Border Campaign

The Uttarakhand government has taken an important step to strengthen healthcare facilities in border areas. On Thursday, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under a new initiative called ‘Swasth Seema Abhiyan’. The agreement aims to provide better medical services to people living in remote border villages.

MoU Signed in Presence of Chief Minister

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his residence. Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat and Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna were also present during the event. Senior officials from both the Uttarakhand government and ITBP attended the signing ceremony.

Healthcare Services for 108 Border Villages

Under the Swasth Seema Abhiyan, integrated primary healthcare services will be provided to 108 border villages located in Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. These villages are located in difficult and hard-to-reach areas. The programme will be rolled out in phases, starting with the most remote locations.

Role of ITBP and State Government

According to the agreement, ITBP Headquarters (Northern Frontier), Dehradun will be the first party, while the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department of Uttarakhand will be the second party. ITBP will deploy trained doctors and paramedical staff to these villages. Medical care will be provided using existing MI rooms and telemedicine facilities.

Medical Facilities and Emergency Support

Regular medical visits will be conducted in selected villages. Health cards will be issued to beneficiaries, and their medical records will be maintained. ITBP will also manage medical equipment, medicines and consumables. The state government will supply essential medical equipment initially and ensure the continuous availability of medicines every six months. In emergency situations, evacuation support and communication assistance will be provided by the state government.

Chief Minister Calls It a Transformative Initiative

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Swasth Seema Abhiyan is a transformative step to improve the lives of people living in border areas. He added that better healthcare services will help build trust, strengthen security and bring stability to border villages. The government, he said, is fully committed to the overall development of frontier regions.

Boost to Local Economy Through Earlier MoU

Officials also shared updates on an earlier MoU between the ITBP and the Uttarakhand government related to the procurement of local products. Since November 2024, ITBP has been purchasing local produce on a trial basis, with full-scale procurement starting in March 2025. So far, purchases worth ₹11.94 crore have been made.

Support for Farmers and Vocal for Local

The Chief Minister said this initiative supports the Vibrant Villages Programme and the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision. Direct purchases from farmers have benefited livestock farmers, fishers and dairy producers. The programme has also created jobs, encouraged reverse migration, reduced carbon emissions and promoted sustainable development in border areas.

A Strong Step Towards Health and Development

The Swasth Seema Abhiyan reflects the Uttarakhand government’s focus on improving healthcare, boosting the rural economy and strengthening border villages. By working closely with ITBP, the state aims to ensure better health services, economic growth and long-term development in some of the most challenging regions of the state.