Today marks a significant milestone in healthcare education as UNICEF India, the International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) join forces to launch a groundbreaking initiative – the 'Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course.' Set to commence on April 17, 2024, this course aims to empower a diverse range of healthcare professionals with the skills required to drive the digital transformation of the healthcare sector.

The comprehensive curriculum of the course caters to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare administrators, allied health professionals, policymakers, IT professionals, and individuals involved in healthcare technology implementation. It addresses the pressing need for digital health education and aims to bridge the gap in training among healthcare professionals nationwide.

Aligned with UNICEF India's commitment to the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), initiated during India's G20 Presidency in 2023, this course endeavors to enhance healthcare delivery through effective utilization of digital technologies, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the GIDH.

During the course launch, Cynthia Mc Caffrey, UNICEF India Representative, emphasized the significance of this initiative in catalyzing innovative solutions and strengthening healthcare delivery across the nation. She highlighted the course's role in empowering healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills to leverage digital technologies effectively, ultimately accelerating access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations.

The 10-week course encompasses nine modules covering a spectrum of topics crucial to digital health implementation. From understanding the nexus between digital technology and healthcare to executing digital health initiatives using an enterprise approach, participants will gain insights into developing strategies, establishing digital health platforms, managing costing and procurement, and navigating governance and regulatory frameworks.

Prof. Sutapa B. Neogi, Director of IIHMR Delhi, underscored the course's pivotal role in enhancing healthcare professionals' competence to adapt to the digital era and optimize healthcare delivery systems, particularly in underserved communities.

The course curriculum, developed in consultation with leading experts from IIHMR Delhi, IIT Bombay, and with technical inputs from UNICEF India, is tailored for the Indian context, drawing from a global program offered by the Digital Health Centre of Excellence (DICE), co-led by UNICEF and WHO.

Dr. Santosh Noronha from IIT Bombay hailed the launch of the course as a testament to collaborative efforts aimed at building a robust digital health ecosystem in India. By equipping healthcare professionals with digital skills, the initiative sets the stage for a healthier and more inclusive future.

Adopting a blended approach, the course combines online modules, virtual lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops, facilitated by experienced digital health professionals, subject matter experts, and academicians. Through case studies, group projects, and networking opportunities, participants will engage in immersive learning experiences, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in the digital health domain.