CMC Vellore and USAID Collaborate to Improve Maternal and Neonatal Health

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)  launched a new Advanced Simulation Lab Center at the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. 

The Lab will be used to train doctors, nurses, and emergency teams in maternal and neonatal care, including the latest technologies to respond to mother and infant emergencies, basic and advanced nursing procedures, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).  

The Advanced Simulation Lab Center is supported by USAID’s $1 million (USD) grant through its American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program.  ASHA helps build bridges of understanding and friendship between the people of the United States of America and India. 

As such, the facility incorporates American best practices in protocols, patient safety, and debriefing tools that are essential for student evaluation and feedback.  Through this initiative, USAID also facilitated cutting-edge commodities and equipment for labor and delivery rooms, as well as the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital.  

USAID/India Health Office Director, Sangita Patel stated, “USAID aims to build upon existing evidence and best practices, as well as to catalyze new ideas, partnerships, and approaches.  With this catalytic grant that has facilitated the setting up of the Advanced Simulation Lab Center and advanced labor and delivery room tools at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, USAID aims to accelerate reductions in maternal, newborn, and child mortality and morbidity by increasing the commitment and capacity of locally led institutions and providers to offer high-quality, integrated health care in the state of Tamil Nadu.”

Dr. Vikram Mathews, Director, CMC Vellore, said “The USAID-ASHA grants are a catalyst for bringing a change in healthcare delivery services. In the past also, USAID has supported the setting up of advanced diagnostics, simulation labs, integrated health support systems, and health facilities, improving perinatal outcomes and survival of newborns with cerebral injuries.”

Since 1982, USAID has provided over $11 million for infrastructure, equipment, and other needs to CMC.  ASHA provides assistance to overseas schools, libraries, hospitals, and centers of excellence to catalyze collaboration between citizens of the United States and other countries and create self-sustaining local institutions.