Uttarakhand Government and ITBP signed a historic MoU under the Healthy Border Campaign to provide integrated healthcare services in 108 border villages, strengthening healthcare, livelihoods, and local economy.
DEHRADUN: In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare services and improving the quality of life in remote border regions, the Government of Uttarakhand signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under the ‘Healthy Border Campaign’. The MoU was signed at the Chief Minister’s residence in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, and Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna.
Integrated Healthcare for 108 Border Villages
The primary objective of the MoU is to provide integrated primary healthcare services to the civilian population residing in 108 border villages across the districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi. The campaign is being launched in Phase-1, focusing on improving access to essential healthcare facilities in some of the most remote and strategically sensitive areas of the state.
Under the agreement, ITBP Headquarters, Northern Frontier, Dehradun, has been designated as the first party, while the Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare, Government of Uttarakhand, is the second party.
Roles and Responsibilities Under the MoU
As per the agreement:
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ITBP will provide qualified doctors, paramedical staff, MI rooms, and telemedicine facilities.
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Medical teams will conduct regular visits to border villages as per a fixed schedule.
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ITBP will ensure the maintenance of medical health cards/records of beneficiaries and manage medical equipment, medicines, and consumables efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Government will:
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Provide demographic data of the identified villages.
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Supply essential medical equipment at the initial stage.
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Ensure a continuous supply of medicines and consumables every six months based on usage.
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Take responsibility for emergency evacuations, telecommunication support, and ownership, maintenance, and replacement of medical equipment.
Chief Minister’s Vision for Border Development
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the Healthy Border Campaign is a transformative initiative aimed at improving the living standards of people residing in border areas. He emphasized that the program would not only strengthen healthcare infrastructure but also foster trust, security, and stability in border villages.
“The government is fully committed to the all-round development of border areas, and this MoU marks a major step toward that goal,” the Chief Minister said.
Strengthening Local Economy Through Direct Procurement
On the occasion, ITBP officials also shared updates on the local procurement MoU earlier signed with the Uttarakhand Government. Under this initiative:
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25% of procurement began on a trial basis in November 2024, and
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100% procurement commenced from March 2025.
Products such as live sheep and goats, live chickens, Himalayan trout fish, fresh milk, cheese, and TPM are being procured directly through cooperative societies.
So far, approximately 379,650.23 kilograms and 325,318.72 liters of products have been procured, with an estimated value of ₹11.94 crore. This initiative is directly benefiting livestock farmers, fish farmers, and dairy producers across the state, while simultaneously strengthening the rural economy and promoting local products.
Procurement Plan for 2026 from Vibrant Border Villages
A detailed procurement plan for 2026 was also presented, which includes:
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400,000 kg of live sheep/goats – ₹13 crore
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250,000 kg of live chickens – ₹4 crore
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82,000 kg of Himalayan trout fish – ₹3.90 crore
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21,302 kg of cheese – ₹0.79 crore
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473,532 liters of fresh milk – ₹3.30 crore
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140,018 liters of TPM – ₹1.50 crore
Additionally, following the MoU:
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985,391 kg of vegetables will be procured at an estimated cost of ₹2.77 crore
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620,228 kg of fruits will be procured at an estimated cost of ₹3.50 crore
Overall, the total procurement after the MoU is estimated at ₹32.76 crore, covering approximately 753,302 kg, 613,550 liters, and 1,605,619 kg of various products.
Eliminating Middlemen, Empowering Farmers
It was also informed that upcoming MoUs aim to strengthen direct procurement of non-vegetarian products from local livestock farmers, completely eliminating intermediaries and ensuring maximum benefits reach producers.
Under the helipad agreement with the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, 221 helicopter landings have been successfully conducted so far, significantly improving connectivity and supply logistics in remote and border areas.
Future Agreements and Expanded Support
In the first phase, ITBP has identified 108 border villages for intervention. Considering the distance from Public Health Centers (PHCs) and veterinary facilities, alternative arrangements will be developed to enhance healthcare and veterinary access.
Proposed future MoUs include:
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Procurement of local fruits and vegetables to encourage farmers
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Purchase of high-quality sugar from state cooperative sugar mills
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Use of UCADA helicopter services for rapid transportation in remote areas
A Model for Sustainable and Inclusive Development
Chief Minister Dhami stated that this initiative is significantly strengthening the Vibrant Village Program and bringing the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ into practical implementation. Through the Point-to-Point Model, direct procurement from farmers has benefited more than 550 border residents, completely eliminating the contractor and middleman system.
The initiative has created new employment opportunities, ensured year-round availability of fresh and organic produce, and increased farmers’ incomes—even during challenging seasons such as monsoon and winter. It has also encouraged reverse migration, as locals are finding sustainable livelihood options in their native regions.
From an environmental standpoint, the initiative has led to a substantial reduction in carbon emissions and contributes to achieving 10 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable model.
Dignitaries Present
On the occasion, Secretary Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, IG ITBP Sanjay Gunjyal, and other senior ITBP officials were present.
