Uttarakhand Launches ‘Swasth Seema Abhiyan’ with ITBP to Strengthen Border Healthcare

Uttarakhand–ITBP Partnership for Border Healthcare

The Uttarakhand government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to roll out the Healthy Border Campaign , also known as Swasth Seema Abhiyan . The initiative aims to improve access to primary healthcare services for residents of remote and strategically sensitive border villages, where terrain and weather often limit regular medical outreach.

The agreement was formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami , underscoring the state’s focus on health security and inclusive development in frontier regions.

Coverage of Remote Border Villages

Under the campaign, 108 border villages across Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi districts will receive integrated primary healthcare services. These villages lie in high-altitude, hard-to-reach areas close to international borders and often face shortages of doctors, medicines, and emergency care.

Implementation will be phased, with priority given to the most inaccessible settlements.

Roles and Responsibilities Under the MoU

As per the agreement, the ITBP (Northern Frontier Headquarters, Dehradun) will deploy trained doctors and paramedical personnel to provide healthcare services using existing MI rooms and telemedicine facilities . Regular medical camps and village visits will be conducted, and health cards will be issued to beneficiaries to maintain systematic medical records.

The Uttarakhand Medical Health and Family Welfare Department will support the initiative by supplying essential medical equipment initially and ensuring the periodic availability of medicines, with replenishment planned every six months. Emergency evacuation and communication support will also be coordinated by the state government.

Linking Health, Security and Development

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the initiative as a transformative step that goes beyond healthcare delivery. He noted that improved medical access will help build trust among border populations, enhance human security, and contribute to long-term stability in frontier regions.

The programme aligns closely with national efforts such as the Vibrant Villages Programme , which seeks to improve quality of life in border areas and reduce migration pressures.

Economic Linkages and ‘Vocal for Local’

Officials also highlighted the positive outcomes of an earlier MoU between ITBP and the state government for procuring local produce. Since November 2024, ITBP units have been sourcing local agricultural and dairy products, with full-scale procurement beginning in March 2025. Purchases worth nearly ₹11.94 crore have already been made, benefiting farmers, fishers, and livestock owners.

This initiative supports the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, promotes rural livelihoods, encourages reverse migration, and reduces carbon emissions by shortening supply chains.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Swasth Seema Abhiyan is a healthcare initiative for border villages

• Uttarakhand signed an MoU with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

• The programme covers 108 villages in Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi

• ITBP will provide doctors, paramedics and telemedicine support