The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has launched a new training facility, the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology, aimed at developing healthcare-related skills among rural and semi-urban youth. The initiative is designed to prepare allied health professionals who can contribute effectively to community-level healthcare delivery, addressing gaps in patient care in under-served areas.
According to an official statement, the centre will start with an annual intake of 150 students and offer short-term certificate courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). The first set of programmes includes General Duty Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, and Phlebotomist. Classes for the inaugural batch are scheduled to begin in November 2025.
Skills Training Combined with Healthcare Technology
Commenting on the launch, Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty highlighted the centre’s vision: “The School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology at IIT Kharagpur is more than a training hub — it is a catalyst for change. 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.”
The courses are conducted under the affiliation of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Upon successful completion, participants will receive certification from the Healthcare Sector Skill Council, ensuring formal recognition of their acquired skills.
Career Opportunities and Practical Exposure
Graduates of the programme will be deployed to support patient care at the Syama Prasad Mukerji Super-Speciality Hospital on the IIT Kharagpur campus, as well as in other healthcare institutions across the region. Additionally, a portion of the trained workforce will participate in field trials and validation of healthcare technologies developed at IIT Kharagpur. This involvement will contribute to systematic health data collection in rural areas of West Bengal and other locations, reinforcing evidence-based healthcare delivery.
Future Expansion and Inclusivity
IIT Kharagpur has indicated that the course offerings are expected to expand in the coming years, with a focus on generating employment opportunities in healthcare. Special emphasis will be placed on increasing participation from women and candidates from economically weaker sections, promoting inclusive growth in the healthcare workforce.
The School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology represents a unique approach by integrating skill development, technology, and healthcare education. By training youth in allied health professions and exposing them to practical healthcare environments, IIT Kharagpur is not only enhancing employability but also strengthening the healthcare delivery system at the community level.
With a vision to transform rural healthcare through skilled manpower and technology-driven solutions, the initiative promises to create a sustainable healthcare workforce capable of addressing the challenges of patient care, medical data collection, and technology adoption in under-served regions.
For students interested in healthcare careers, the IIT Kharagpur School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology offers an excellent platform to gain certified skills, hands-on training, and career-ready expertise, making it a significant milestone in India’s healthcare education landscape,
