UNICEF India, the International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) Delhi and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) jointly launched a 10-week Digital Health Enterprise Planning Course that aims to bridge tech knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals, as per the press release. 

Rolling out from 17 April 2024, the course aims to 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 are also can take the course, as mentioned in the release. 

“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,” Cynthia Mc Caffrey, UNICEF India Representative, said. 

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. 

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“Many health professionals lack necessary training and education in digital technology to effectively utilise 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 optimise healthcare delivery systems across India, particularly in underserved communities,” Sutapa B. Neogi, director, IIHMR Delhi, said.