UNICEF India, IIHMR Delhi, and IIT Bombay have jointly inaugurated a comprehensive health course, commencing on April 17, 2024, the ‘Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course’ is tailored to empower healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare administrators, and allied health professionals, with skills essential for driving the digital transformation in the healthcare sector. Policymakers, IT professionals, and individuals engaged in healthcare technology implementation are also encouraged to enroll.

This initiative marks a significant stride in UNICEF India’s commitment to the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery through effective utilization of digital technologies, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the GIDH.

Speaking at the course launch, Cynthia Mc Caffrey, UNICEF India Representative, emphasized, “The digital health course launched by IIHMR, IIT Mumbai, and UNICEF today builds on India’s commitment to promote digital innovation in the health system by equipping healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills and leveraging digital technologies.”

Designed to meet the escalating demand for digital health education and bridge training gaps among healthcare professionals, the 10-week course comprises nine modules covering various critical aspects of digital health implementation. It begins with elucidating the nexus between digital technology and healthcare and progresses through planning, integration, execution, and future prospects of digital health initiatives.

Prof. Sutapa B. Neogi (Director), IIHMR Delhi, highlighted, “By equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, this course will enhance their competence to adapt to the digital era and optimize healthcare delivery systems across India, particularly in underserved communities.”

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

Dr. Santosh Noronha, IIT Bombay, expressed, “The launch of this digital health course is a testament to the collaborative efforts towards building a robust digital health ecosystem in India.”

Employing a blended approach, the course integrates online modules, virtual lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops. Instructors comprise experienced digital health professionals and academicians, enhancing learning through case studies, group projects, networking, and knowledge sharing.