UNICEF India, IIHMR Delhi, & IIT Bombay Launch Digital Health Course

The course promises to be a significant step towards fulfilling UNICEF India's commitment to the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH).

In a collaborative effort to address the growing need for digital health education and bridge the gap in training among healthcare professionals, 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.

To be rolled out on April 17, 2024, the 'Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course' is a 10-week online program designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to support the digital transformation of the healthcare sector.

Delivering the keynote address during the launch of the course, Cynthia Mc Caffrey, UNICEF India Representative, said, "The digital health course today builds on India's commitment to promoting digital innovation in the health system by equipping healthcare professionals with cutting edge skills and leveraging digital technologies. The course catalyzes innovative solutions, strengthening healthcare delivery across the country, helping accelerate reach to the last child."

Meeting the Digital Transformation Needs

The course aims to cater to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare administrators, and allied health professionals, along with policymakers and IT professionals involved in healthcare technology implementation.

It promises to be a significant step towards fulfilling UNICEF India's commitment to the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched during India's G20 Presidency in 2023.

The initiative aims to leverage digital technologies effectively to improve healthcare delivery, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the GIDH.

The 10-week course comprises nine modules covering various topics crucial to digital health implementation.

It begins with understanding the intersection of digital technology and healthcare, progressing through planning national digital health systems, integrating digital interventions, executing enterprise plans, and addressing governance and regulatory issues.

The course concludes with a module on the future of digital health, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Prof Sutapa B Neogi, director, IIHMR Delhi, stressed the necessity of providing healthcare professionals with adequate training and education in digital technology.

She noted that many professionals lack the necessary skills to effectively utilize digital health tools and navigate complexities associated with implementation, particularly in underserved communities. The course aims to enhance their competence in adapting to the digital era and optimizing healthcare delivery systems.

The course curriculum has been developed in consultation with leading experts from IIHMR Delhi and IIT Bombay and technical inputs from UNICEF India.

It is adapted for the Indian context from a global program offered by the Digital Health Centre of Excellence (DICE), a consortium co-led by UNICEF and WHO. This ensures that the course meets the specific needs and challenges of the Indian healthcare landscape.

The course adopts a blended learning approach, combining online modules, virtual lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on workshops.

Instructors include experienced digital health professionals, subject matter experts, and academicians. Learning is enhanced through case studies, group projects, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

Dr Santosh Noronha from IIT Bombay highlighted the collaborative efforts towards building a robust digital health ecosystem in India.

Noronha 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."

Launching the Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course represents a step towards equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to navigate the digital era and optimize healthcare delivery systems across India.

The course aims to bridge tech-knowledge gaps and empower healthcare professionals for a brighter future with a comprehensive curriculum, expert input, and a blended learning approach.