Authored by Nitin Rathnam Rebba, Senior Program Director, Digital Bharat Collaborative.
For over 17 years, Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute (PSMRI) has been a pioneer in strengthening public health delivery across India. Our journey is marked by deep community engagement, continuous learning, and an unwavering commitment to advancing health equity-especially for underserved and remote populations.
Commitment to Health Equity
At the core of our outreach efforts lies a fundamental belief: availability, accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare is a basic human right. This conviction has inspired us to design and implement large-scale public health programs in close partnership with central and state governments, multilateral institutions, and corporate CSR partners. From the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to the
flood-prone areas of Assam, and from the arid interiors of Rajasthan to the forested districts of Andhra Pradesh, our teams have worked tirelessly to deliver healthcare to the last mile.
Innovative Outreach Models
One of our earliest and most impactful outreach models has been the deployment of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), Health Information Helplines (HIHL), Telemedicine Services, and Static Clinics. Now operational in multiple states, these initiatives have reached millions, providing preventive, promotive, and primary care services in some of the country’s most challenging geographies. Over time, we have broadened our scope to include targeted screening programs-such as Sickle Cell Anemia Disease screening, Tuberculosis Screenings, Non-Communicable Disease screenings, and Reproductive and Maternal Child Health initiatives. Each program is tailored to the unique needs and contexts of the communities and the partners we serve.
Partnership-Driven Approach
Our outreach strategy is deeply rooted in collaborationpartnering with various governments and CSR donors for scalability, with communities for trust and engagement, and with technology for efficiency and impact. Whether developing teleconsultation systems for tribal populations or supporting public health responses through helplines during the COVID-19 pandemic, our programs have evolved to remain responsive, data-driven, and people-centric.
Looking Ahead: Embracing Digital Transformation
As we embark on a new era of digital public health transformation, the spirit of outreach continues to guide our work. We strive to serve as a bridge between technology and communities, policy and practice, and hope and health.