Betul, Madhya Pradesh | June 2026
A pioneering public health intervention from Betul District has earned national recognition at the prestigious 10th National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity – Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future held in Chandigarh. The intervention, “Arogya Ki Aur” (Towards Health), aimed at strengthening immunization services in tribal and hard-to-reach communities, was presented as a Poster Presentation at the national forum.
The initiative was conceptualized and implemented by Dr. Pranjal Upadhyay, District Immunization Officer, Betul, and focuses on improving immunization coverage among vulnerable tribal populations through community-based strategies, innovative outreach mechanisms, and strengthened health system engagement.
About the National Summit
The 10th National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity – Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future is one of India’s premier public health platforms dedicated to recognizing and disseminating innovative, scalable, and replicable health interventions from across the country. The summit brings together policymakers, senior government officials, public health experts, development partners, researchers, healthcare professionals, and program managers to share successful models that have demonstrated measurable impact in improving health outcomes.
The event serves as a national knowledge-sharing platform where states and districts present transformative practices that address healthcare challenges through innovation, community engagement, technology, and effective governance. Selected interventions are showcased as examples of excellence and are considered for replication in other parts of the country.
Strengthening Immunization in Tribal Communities
Betul district, known for its substantial tribal population and difficult geographical terrain, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery. Remote villages, seasonal inaccessibility, cultural barriers, and vaccine hesitancy often contribute to gaps in routine immunization coverage.
To address these challenges, “Arogya Ki Aur” was designed as a comprehensive intervention focused on ensuring that every eligible child and pregnant woman receives life-saving vaccines. The initiative emphasizes community participation, targeted awareness campaigns, beneficiary tracking, supportive supervision, and convergence among multiple departments.
Through continuous engagement with tribal communities, local influencers, frontline workers, and village-level stakeholders, the intervention has strengthened trust in public health services and improved access to immunization in previously underserved areas.
Community-Centric Innovation
A defining feature of “Arogya Ki Aur” has been its community-driven approach. The intervention leverages the efforts of frontline health workers, including ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi Workers, community leaders, and local institutions to identify left-out and drop-out beneficiaries and facilitate their vaccination.
The initiative also utilizes culturally appropriate communication strategies to address misconceptions regarding immunization and encourage community ownership of child health and disease prevention efforts.
National Recognition for Local Solutions
The selection of “Arogya Ki Aur” for presentation at the national summit underscores the importance of locally developed solutions in addressing complex public health challenges. The initiative demonstrates how evidence-based planning, strong field implementation, and community engagement can significantly strengthen immunization systems in tribal and remote settings.
Its presentation at a national forum provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange and highlights the potential for adapting similar approaches in other underserved regions across India.
A Proud Moment for Madhya Pradesh
The recognition of “Arogya Ki Aur” at the national level is a matter of pride for Betul district and the state of Madhya Pradesh. It reflects the dedication of healthcare workers, program managers, and community stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure equitable access to immunization services.
The initiative stands as a testament to the power of innovation, inclusivity, and grassroots leadership in advancing public health and achieving the goal of universal immunization coverage.
“Arogya Ki Aur” exemplifies how locally driven innovation can create meaningful and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery, ensuring that even the most remote tribal communities are included in India’s journey toward better health and well-being.
Issued By:
District Immunization Office, Betul
Health Department, Madhya Pradesh Government
Media Contact:
Dr. Pranjal Upadhyay
District Immunization Officer, Betul
Madhya Pradesh, India
