UNICEF India with IIHMR Delhi & IIT Mumbai launches digital health course to bridge tech-knowledge gaps

New Delhi: UNICEF India, the International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have jointly launched a comprehensive health course.

Rolling out from 17 April 2024, the ‘Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course’ will equip healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare administrators, and allied health professionals with the skills to support the digital transformation of the healthcare sector. Policymakers, IT professionals, and individuals involved in healthcare technology implementation too can take the course.  

The course is a major step toward fulfilling UNICEF India’s commitment to the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. It aims to improve healthcare delivery by using digital technologies effectively, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the GIDH. 

Delivering the keynote address during the launch of the course, Cynthia Mc Caffrey, UNICEF India Representative said, “The digital health course launched by IIHM, 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. The course catalyses innovative solutions, strengthening healthcare delivery across the country, helping accelerate reach to the last child.”  

“The transformative journey we embark on is focused on equity, its success will not be gauged by the technologies we employ but by the impact made on lives on every girl, boy and on the communities that we empower,” she added. 

The course is designed to address the growing demand for digital health education and to bridge the gap in training among healthcare professionals. 

The 10-week course includes nine modules and covers a range of topics crucial to digital health implementation. It starts with understanding the link between digital technology and healthcare, progresses through planning national digital health systems, integrating digital interventions into health systems, and executing digital health initiatives using an enterprise approach. Participants will learn to develop digital health strategies, implement enterprise plans, establish digital health platforms, execute interventions, manage costing and procurement, as well as address governance, policies, regulations, and workforce issues. The course concludes with a module on the future of digital health. 

Prof. Sutapa B. Neogi (Director), IIHMR Delhi said, “Many health professionals lack necessary training and education in digital technology to effectively utilize digital health tools and navigate the complexities associated with its implementation. 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.” 

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

Dr Santosh Noronha, IIT Mumbai, said, “The launch of this digital health course is a testament to the collaborative efforts towards building a robust digital health ecosystem in India. By empowering healthcare professionals with digital skills, we are paving the way for a healthier and more inclusive future.” 

The course adopts a blended approach, incorporating online modules, virtual lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops. Instructors are drawn from experienced digital health professionals, subject matter experts, and academicians, while learning is enhanced through case studies, group projects, networking, and knowledge sharing.