IIT Kharagpur announced the launch of a dedicated training hub on Friday, aimed at building a skilled healthcare workforce. The new centre, named ‘School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology’, will focus on training rural and semi-urban youth to become allied health professionals.
First Batch to Begin in November
The inaugural batch will commence in November with an annual intake of 150 students. The centre will also offer short-term certificate courses designed in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring nationally recognised standards of training.
A Catalyst for Rural Healthcare Transformation
IIT Kharagpur director Suman Chakraborty described the initiative as a catalyst for change. “The School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology is more than a training hub. By combining skill development with cutting-edge technology, we aim to build a healthcare workforce that can serve the last mile, transform rural healthcare delivery, and contribute to the nation’s vision of inclusive growth,” he said.
Affiliation with NSDC for Wider Impact
As reported by TOI, the centre will function in affiliation with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This partnership will help align the training with national priorities and provide greater opportunities for the students.
Empowering Communities and Generating Employment
According to the institute, the initiative will create employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, empower women, uplift economically weaker sections, and strengthen community resilience. The trained workforce will support patient care at Syama Prasad Mukherji Super-Speciality Hospital on the IIT Kharagpur campus as well as at other healthcare institutions across the country.