10-07-2025
IIMA, Novo Nordisk India sign pact to tackle obesity using multi-pronged collab
A pact was signed to tackle obesity through a long-term multi-pronged collaboration between the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) and healthcare company Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd (NNIPL) on Tuesday.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for five years, till 2030, aims 'to strengthen the healthcare ecosystem through a multi- dimensional approach focused on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially obesity,' according to a statement.
'As a part of this MoU, NNIPL and IIMA will co-develop and implement impactful programmes under three key pillars: Health System Capacity Building, Policy Advocacy, and Health Economics. The partnership will prioritise creation of educational content, development of model frameworks for obesity clinics, and data-driven policy formulation to address the burden of obesity in India,' according to the statement.
'It will also assist in conducting research to assess its economic impact on individuals, workforce productivity, healthcare system, and the overall economy,' a statement issued by IIMA on Wednesday stated.
Prof Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Ahmedabad stated, 'This collaboration with Novo Nordisk India brings together healthcare and public policy — two domains where data and research can enable lasting change. At IIMA, we aim to apply our academic rigour to generate actionable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities tackling non-communicable diseases like obesity.'
The MoU also outlines detailed research initiatives, including paper publications with government institutions and pilot outreach programmes.
Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd Managing Director Vikrant Shrotriya in the statement said, 'India's healthcare systems must evolve to address the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases, particularly obesity. This collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad will jointly shape interventions that are research-backed, scalable, and sustainable.'
Chhavi Moodgal, CEO, IIMA Endowment Fund, added, 'Strategic partnerships like this reflect IIMA's commitment to addressing complex public health challenges through rigorous research, data-led solutions, and collaborative action.'
The IIMA Endowment Fund (IIMAEF), the Institute's unified fundraising and philanthropic arm for all donations from alumni, as well as corporate and CSR partners, played a facilitative role in shaping this partnership.
