49th Annual Day Celebrated at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare

New Delhi, 9 March 2026: The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, celebrated its 49th Annual Day on Monday at the NIHFW Auditorium in Munirka, New Delhi. The event highlighted the institute’s contributions to strengthening public health systems, capacity building, and research in health and family welfare.

The function was graced by Shri PratapraoJadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services,Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, served as the Guest of Honour.

The programme commenced with the arrival of dignitaries, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and an invocation, followed by a green welcome and felicitation of the guests by Dr. Sunil Vilasrao Gitte, Director, NIHFW. In his Welcome Address and presentation of the Annual Report, Dr. Gitte highlighted the institute’s key achievements over the past year, including advancements in public health training, research initiatives, and collaborations aimed at strengthening the country’s health systems.

During the event, the institute’s annual publications, “Dharna”, the HPPI Journal, and “Brochure of Placement Cell”, were formally released by the dignitaries. Awards were also presented to outstanding employees, students, and sports achievers in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri PratapraoJadhavji emphasized the importance of strengthening public health institutions and highlighted the role of NIHFW in building skilled health professionals and supporting national health programmes. He said that we are expanding the digital health infrastructure under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. We are strengthening primary health services through Health and Wellness Centres. We are also expanding immunization efforts, introducing new vaccines, and making disease surveillance systems more effective.

Dr. Sunita Sharma, Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also appreciated the institute’s continued contribution to public health research, training, and policy support for the Government of India.He said that the institute has played an important role in strengthening the capacity of India’s health workforce and in the effective implementation of national health programmes.

The celebration also featured cultural performances by students, reflecting the vibrant academic environment of the institute.

The Annual Day celebration reaffirmed NIHFW’s commitment to advancing public health education, research, and policy support, with the aim of improving healthcare delivery and population health across the country.Dean of the Institute, Prof. V. K. Tiwari, delivered the vote of thanks to all the distinguished guests and attendees. The programme was compered by Dr. Geetanjaly and Dr. Ganesh Shankar Srivastava.