The JICA MCH Project Punjab achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting a comprehensive five-day Health Administration Training from December 04 to 08, 2023, as part of its ongoing Technical Cooperation Project, "Strengthening Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in Punjab." This transformative initiative, tailored for officials from the Government of Punjab's Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD), aimed to fortify their capabilities in the critical domain of maternal and newborn healthcare. The training held in Japan, brought together ten key officials from the P&SHD Secretariat, alongside Provincial and District heads of the IRMNCH & Nutrition Program, creating a collaborative platform for shared knowledge and expertise.

The training was ffacilitated at the JICA Tokyo International Centre (TIC) by distinguished JICA experts, Directors of Public Health Centres, and professionals from esteemed institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Teikyo School of Public Health, this program underscored Japan's rich healthcare practices and provided a unique opportunity for cross-cultural learning and collaboration.

The participants underwent a comprehensive overview encompassing maternal and child health indicators, the spectrum of services offered, and notable historical milestones attained through effective public health interventions and supportive legislations. Special emphasis was placed on the profound impact of nutrition policies and the ongoing evaluation of maternal and child health handbooks, underscoring their pivotal role in the continuous monitoring of maternal and child health. Furthermore, the session delved into the innovative utilization of the MCH handbook in various countries, showcasing instances where JICA's support, aligned with the nuances of local cultural contexts, has yielded successful outcomes.

The health administration training extended beyond merely acquainting Punjab participants with the Japanese healthcare system; it incorporated immersive visits to Public Health Centers, Municipal Health & Welfare Centers, Hospitals, and maternity homes. These visits facilitated meaningful interactions with local health managers and public health staff, providing a firsthand experience of MCH services in both Tokyo and Hachioji city, thereby enriching the overall program.

The participants gained insights into the Continuum of Care model in Japan, which emphasizes a seamless and integrated approach to healthcare. They also delved into the positive deviance approach, a transformative strategy that has been instrumental in driving social change and elevating maternal and child health indicators. The pivotal role of Primary Health Care (PHC) and the reinforcement of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services through legislative measures, acts, and rules, underscored the commitment to robust healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, a spotlight was cast on the historical contributions of volunteers, public health nurses, midwives, extension workers, and communities, acknowledging their indispensable role in attaining the current Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) status.

The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) Punjab is actively working towards enhancing the quality of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services for the residents of Punjab. This commitment is manifested through a range of initiatives, including the promotion of skilled birth attendance through the expansion of 24/7 Basic Health Units (BHUs). The department is also dedicated to elevating service quality by recruiting new Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) and enhancing the skills of existing SBAs. Additional efforts involve the provision of ultrasonography (USG) services at primary-level health facilities, augmenting the fleet size of the Rural Ambulance Service (RAS) to ensure timely deliveries at health facilities and facilitating the transfer of high-risk pregnancies from primary to tertiary-level health facilities. Furthermore, the P&SHD is actively engaged in consolidating medical data by enforcing the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system across all health facilities. The EMR holds significant potential to enhance the healthcare system by enabling timely analysis, improved planning based on real-time data, and the swift implementation by making corrective measures.

The health administration training in Japan, a key component of the JICA Technical Cooperation Project, not only equips participants with valuable insights from Japan's healthcare system but also positions them to be catalysts for positive change in Punjab's healthcare landscape. As the nation approaches general elections, the timing of this training is particularly opportune as it empowers participants to apply their acquired knowledge to refine existing programs and shape future initiatives. The transformative potential of these efforts is expected to contribute significantly to the enhancement of maternal and newborn health indicators, bringing Punjab closer to the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Moreover, this training represents a vital step in JICA's ongoing commitment to building the capacity of healthcare officials, fostering evidence-based policies, and ultimately nurturing an efficient and effective healthcare system in Punjab that stands resilient in the face of evolving challenges.