An Innovative MPH program in Southern India: Lessons, challenges and next steps

The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) started India's first Master's program in Public Health (MPH) in January 1997, and so far, nine batches have graduated. It was started when the MPH was not a required qualification for any job position in India. Despite this, the course has gained demand and recognition, and all the graduates have been able to find gainful and meaningful employment. Some lessons learned, challenges and next steps; 1. More institutions in India are planning to start an MPH program and the demand for guidance from the SCTIMST for such initiatives is increasing. Demand for the MPH program is increasing overall.

2. Over 40% of our graduates are working with the various Indian state government health departments, 21% with non-government organizations, 16% with academic institutions, 10% with World health organization/UNICEF, 8% outside India, and the remaining are enrolled for advanced (PhD) studies.

3. The major challenges for the program are recruiting and retaining good faculty, consistent with the expected challenge for a developing country, even in an innovative educational setting.

4. Future plans for the program are to increase both student and faculty strength, network with other public health institutions such as the public health foundation of India, and provide guidance for additional MPH programs in the country.