New public health pg programme approved

The Centre has approved introduction of a new programme in public health for postgraduate students to create “a dedicated cadre” of professionals and researchers in the field.

Giving its nod to the Masters in Public Health programme, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all higher education institutions to consider introducing it in the list of full-time post-graduate courses offered by them.

“You are requested to adopt the course curriculum in your university and also convey relevant instructions to all the affiliated colleges/ institutes,” Rajnish Jain, UGC secretary, said in an official communication to all vice chancellors last week.

The model curriculum of the masters programme has been prepared by a task force set up under the Union Health Ministry.

The task force, comprising experts from India and the UK, prepared the course curriculum and guidelines for its conduct by the universities and colleges after a series of consultations with the stakeholders since 2015.

Both science and non-science graduates as well as those graduated in medicine and dentistry will be eligible to enroll for this post-graduate programme.

The programme, comprises 15 core modules and several elective modules, which may be offered by the universities depending on their capacity and capability, will include two-months mandatory internship and submission of dissertation by the students at the end of their fourth semester.

The programme intends to develop analytical and assessment skills in students on collecting and interpreting information in areas of policy planning, communication, advocacy.

It also seeks to equip students with skills required to evaluate public health data and do financial planning for running public health programs in the country.

Students are also expected to acquire leadership and management skills, according to the UGC.

The course modules have laid “special emphasis” on the study of disease epidemiology, various determinants of health and emerging challenges in health, public policy making and program management.

“This course is an attempt to prepare competent cadre of professionals who have a basic understanding of the various aspects of public health and are able to successfully apply this knowledge towards meeting public health challenges in Indian context,” the model curriculum says.