In a landmark move to strengthen India’s public health infrastructure, the Centre is planning to establish the country’s first dedicated Public Health University, according to sources.
The initiative, currently under review by the Union Health Ministry, aims to equip India—the world’s most populous nation—with a robust, standardized system to address future health crises and improve health governance.
The proposal emerged from a high-level expert group meeting held last month on India’s public health landscape. Chaired by Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel, the discussions revolved around the theme “Advancing Public Health Priorities, Innovation, and Global Leadership.” Experts from premier institutions such as AIIMS, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), IIT Delhi, Johns Hopkins University, Ashoka University, and others participated in the meeting.
The plan is to establish something similar to the Johns Hopkins Public Health University and Harvard School of Public Health in the US. Its objectives include fostering innovation, driving evidence-based policy, and ensuring India is better prepared for pandemics like COVID-19.
Three key proposals were made:
- Establishment of an Indian Public Health University to address the current lack of standardization in over 50 multidisciplinary public health courses.
- Creation of a Public Health Council akin to the National Medical Commission, to regulate public health education and practice.
- Formation of a Public Health Consortium to coordinate and synergize work across institutions before the university is formally set up, given that creating a university via a Parliamentary Act may take time.
In the interim, a coordination committee is planned, comprising experts from the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health and NCDC. This body will facilitate uniform, broad-based decision-making under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Unlike institutes, which require affiliation from a recognized university, the new university will receive direct recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC), granting it autonomy and a broader mandate.
This initiative is a critical step in ensuring India is better equipped to manage future health challenges.
