The healthcare sector in India has witnessed an incredible transformation over the years, driven by technological advancements and a growing emphasis on patient-centric and sustainable practices. The foundation of this astonishing infrastructure is possible because its roots lie in a very strong brick called - healthcare management education a critical area that ensures skilled professionals are equipped to lead the industry toward innovation and efficiency. In line with the government’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, the focus on healthcare education has become paramount, shaping the future of the nation’s medical infrastructure.
Revolutionising healthcare through education
Education is the cornerstone of any industry’s growth and healthcare is no exception. Indian universities and institutions are playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals who are completely skilled and knowledgeable. As the healthcare sector integrates revolutionary trends such as wearable medical devices, telemedicine and digitised health records, the demand for professionals trained in these technologies is skyrocketing.
For instance, wearable medical devices and mobile health apps, particularly popular among senior citizens, provide invaluable real-time health data. According to a report, the India Patient Monitoring Market is projected to grow from USD 1.76 billion in 2024 to USD 2.54 billion by 2029. This underscores the urgent need for health managers and hospital managers with technology knowledge and competencies who can integrate technologies into health systems, ensuring seamless patient care.
Aligning education with technological trends
The necessity of digital health solutions underscores the need for specialised education programmes designed to integrate health tech and data analytics. Some of the Indian universities have designed such management programmes that will properly align with the current needs of the healthcare industry. Such newly designed programmes will not only contribute to strengthening health management but also these technological tools will empower the sector’s factor.
Nowadays institutions are providing healthcare data analytics programme training to their students prioritising the skills to handle large patient data so that it could be integrated into healthcare systems securely and efficiently. Correspondingly, health tech innovation courses train graduates to innovate and develop wearable devices as well as telemedicine platforms that directly impact the lives of people in rural areas. The prime testimony of such initiatives is the concept of telemedicine, introduced by the E-Sanjeevani Yojna of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Through such initiatives, the large population of rural areas today now consulting physicians in the easiest possible way. It is estimated that in India, by 2025, the telemedicine market will be USD 5.5 billion; that way, an educated manpower pool will be necessary for maintaining such growth. Our young healthcare professionals are now being trained to foster a robust Indian healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on achieving universal health coverage criteria.
Government initiatives driving educational transformation
There are several initiatives introduced by our Government of India to further strengthen the bond between healthcare innovation and education. About Rs 89,287 crore (USD 10.7 billion) was allotted to the Union Budget 2024-25 to boost digital infrastructure and innovation in healthcare services. The 'MedTech Mitra' programme aims to support Indian innovators by reducing import dependence and furthering a USD 50 billion MedTech industry by 2030. Created a huge scope for our young professionals to build their careers with diverse opportunities.
Other initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and many others, such as CoWIN and e-Hospital, emphasise the importance of digital literacy in healthcare. Matching these technological advances, Rs 7,500 crore (USD 0.9 billion) was provided to Ayushman Bharat for strong health infrastructure. Educational institutions are now adapting to the changes, introducing curriculum reformation with real-world applications and government-supported programmes in the system.
The future of healthcare education
In the vision of the Indian government for a $32 trillion economy by 2047, the role of education in healthcare cannot be overstated. The Ministry of Education and Health and Family Welfare needs to come together to introduce more specialised programmes and research opportunities. There is also an opportunity through partnerships with global institutions for diverse perspectives and technologies. Institutions are integrating their study programmes in health management in interdisciplinary ways and joining aspects of healthcare management to related fields like artificial intelligence, robotics and sustainability.
As India marches toward its vision of Viksit Bharat, healthcare management education emerges as the linchpin driving innovation and accessibility. The upcoming healthcare administrating generation will be equipped with world-class education and will not only be resilient but also transformative, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future.
About the author
The author is Dr PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University
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