IIT Kharagpur Launches Healthcare Training Centre to Empower Rural Medical Workforce
In a move set to strengthen community healthcare in rural and semi-urban India, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has inaugurated a new training centre called the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology. This facility is designed to equip youth from underserved regions with essential healthcare skills, thereby addressing the critical shortage of allied health professionals at the grassroots level.
Empowering Rural Healthcare through Skill Development
The centre will begin with an annual intake of 150 students who will undergo short-term certificate courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). The initial courses offered include:
- General Duty Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
- Phlebotomist
Classes for the inaugural batch are scheduled to commence in November 2025.
All courses will be conducted under the affiliation of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), part of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Upon successful completion, participants will receive certification from the Healthcare Sector Skill Council, ensuring that the credentials are nationally recognized and valued.
A Catalyst for Inclusive Healthcare
Speaking on the launch, Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, described the new centre as more than just a training facility. “The School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology at IIT Kharagpur is a catalyst for change,” he said. “By combining skill development with cutting-edge healthcare technology, we aim to build a workforce capable of serving the last mile, transforming rural healthcare delivery, and contributing to the nation’s vision of inclusive growth.”
This holistic approach—melding practical skills with technology integration—is poised to revolutionize how healthcare services are delivered in remote and underserved areas, where access to trained medical staff remains a persistent challenge.
Certification and Career Opportunities
Graduates from these programmes will be positioned to support patient care at the Syama Prasad Mukerji Super-Speciality Hospital on IIT Kharagpur’s campus, as well as at other healthcare institutions. This hands-on exposure will not only hone their skills but also help bridge the gap between academic training and real-world healthcare demands.
Moreover, some trained personnel will participate in field trials and validation of healthcare technologies developed at IIT Kharagpur. This involvement will facilitate the systematic collection of health data in rural areas of West Bengal and beyond, contributing to research and the development of more effective healthcare solutions tailored for rural populations.
Focus on Inclusion and Future Expansion
IIT Kharagpur’s initiative also aims to generate employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, especially for women and economically weaker sections of society. By widening access to skill development, the programme intends to promote social inclusion while addressing workforce shortages in healthcare.
Looking ahead, the centre plans to expand its course offerings, potentially introducing more specialized training programmes that respond to evolving healthcare needs.
A Strategic Step Toward Rural Health Transformation
The establishment of the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology aligns with national priorities of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and human resources in rural India. With certified training, career pathways, and active involvement in healthcare innovation, IIT Kharagpur’s programme exemplifies how education institutions can play a pivotal role in societal development.
For rural youth aspiring to enter the healthcare field, this new centre offers a promising gateway to impactful careers while contributing meaningfully to the well-being of their communities.
