In 2019, Odisha Health Systems Strengthening Program, a four-year collaborative effort, was initiated by the Health System Transformation Platform (HSTP) in collaboration with the Government of Odisha and the Tata Trusts. The collaborative effort intended to improve Odisha's Health System to provide affordable and equitable access to quality care for its population while avoiding significant financial risks and improving citizen satisfaction. A health system diagnostic study in Odisha was conducted, which identified Leadership among mid-level healthcare officials within the State is required to achieve goal of strengthening the health system in the State.
HSTP in consultation with the State Government designed a training program in collaboration with Athulya Performance Facilitators, an organization lead by Prof. C Balaji, an eminent Human Resources and Management expert. The focus of this program is to enhance managerial and leadership skills of public health officials to support health transformation in the State. In phase one, 28 district level medical officers have been selected by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Odisha.and other support required during the training period.