Has IIT Kharagpur Launched a Healthcare and Technology School to Train Youth as Health Professionals?
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Synopsis
IIT Kharagpur’s new School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology aims to empower youth as allied health professionals, enhancing rural healthcare services. With cutting-edge courses and a focus on community upliftment, this initiative is set to transform health education in India.
Key Takeaways
- New training center at IIT Kharagpur focuses on healthcare skills.
- Initial enrollment of 150 students per year.
- Courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
- Programs certified by the Healthcare Sector Skill Council.
- Aims to empower communities and improve rural healthcare.
Kolkata, Aug 16 (NationPress) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has inaugurated a specialized training center known as the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology on its campus. This initiative aims to equip rural and semi-urban youth with the skills needed to become allied health professionals, as per a statement released by the institute.
The school is set to enroll 150 students annually, providing short-term certificate programs that align with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). Courses offered will include General Duty Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, and Phlebotomist.
Affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, these programs will grant certifications from the Healthcare Sector Skill Council.
The first batch of students will commence classes in November this year, with future plans to expand the variety of courses offered. This initiative is anticipated to create job opportunities within the health sector, empower women, uplift economically disadvantaged communities, and strengthen community resilience.
According to IIT-KGP Director, Prof. Suman Chakraborty, "The School for Skills: Healthcare and Technology at IIT Kharagpur is more than just a training facility; it serves as a catalyst for transformation. By integrating skill development with advanced technology, we aspire to cultivate a healthcare workforce capable of reaching underserved areas, enhancing rural healthcare delivery, and contributing to the nation’s goal of inclusive growth."
Furthermore, trained professionals will be instrumental in patient care at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Super-Speciality Hospital at IIT Kharagpur and other healthcare facilities. Additionally, some of the trained youth will engage in field trials and validation of healthcare technologies developed at IIT Kharagpur, facilitating systematic health data collection in rural regions of West Bengal and beyond.
Point of View
The establishment of the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology at IIT Kharagpur exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas. This initiative, focused on skill development and community empowerment, aligns with national priorities for inclusive growth and job creation in the healthcare sector.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses will be offered at the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology?
The school will initially offer courses such as General Duty Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, and Phlebotomist, all aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
How many students will the school accommodate annually?
The School for Skills will accommodate 150 students each year.
What is the goal of this initiative?
The initiative aims to create employment opportunities in the health sector, empower women, uplift economically weaker sections, and enhance community resilience.
