The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has launched a dedicated training facility—School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology—aimed at preparing rural and semi-urban youth for roles in allied health services.
The initiative is designed to address critical gaps in community-level healthcare delivery and support India’s broader vision of inclusive growth.
Located within the IIT Kharagpur campus, the centre will begin operations in November 2025 with an initial intake of 150 students annually.
The program offers short-term certificate courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), making the training nationally recognized and industry-relevant.
IIT Kharagpur Courses Designed for Immediate Healthcare Needs
The inaugural curriculum includes three key certificate programs:
- General Duty Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician – Basic
- Phlebotomist
These roles are in high demand across primary care and emergency services, especially in underserved regions.
The training combines academic instruction with hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are equipped to support patient care in real-world settings.
All courses are affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Upon completion, participants will receive certification from the Healthcare Sector Skill Council, enhancing their employability in hospitals and clinics.
Deployment and Technology Integration
Syama Prasad Mukherji Super-Speciality Hospital on the IIT Kharagpur campus will engage graduates from the School for Skills to support patient care.
Partner healthcare institutions across West Bengal and other regions will receive these trained individuals.
A segment of the trained workforce will participate in field trials and validation of healthcare technologies developed at IIT Kharagpur.
This includes contributing to systematic health data collection in rural areas, which will help improve diagnostics, treatment protocols, and public health planning.
Vision for Empowerment and Resilience at IIT Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty described the centre as “a catalyst for change.”
He stated, “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 initiative will generate employment in the health sector, empower women, uplift economically weaker sections, and strengthen community resilience.
Many of the students will be first-generation learners from rural and semi-urban backgrounds.
Future Expansion and Long-Term Goals
The institute plans to expand its course offerings in the coming years.
Evolving healthcare needs and insights from field deployments guide this decision.
The centre brings together skill development, healthcare delivery, and technology innovation to address rural health challenges.
Its long-term goal is to build a scalable model for developing a robust rural healthcare workforce.
IIT Kharagpur is integrating structured training with real-world application to strengthen rural healthcare delivery.
The institute aims to develop a replicable framework that other institutions and states can adopt to expand healthcare access in remote regions.
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