NHA & MUHS Forge Partnership for Digital Health Education

The agreement, signed by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, aims to integrate digital health into medical curricula and promote the adoption of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

On 13 August 2024, the National Health Authority (NHA) and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance digital health education across India.

The agreement, signed by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, aims to integrate digital health into medical curricula and promote adopting the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Key Objectives & Developments

Under this partnership, MUHS will offer its Digital Health Foundation Course (DHFC) to the NHA and collaborate on developing additional digital health programs.

This initiative supports the broader implementation of ABDM, which is designed to create an interoperable digital health ecosystem in India.

Health Minister Nadda said, “The partnership between NHA and MUHS marks a significant milestone in integrating digital health education into medical curricula and laying the foundation for a more connected and effective healthcare ecosystem.”

He added that this collaboration would not only enhance the skills of medical students and professionals but also advance the implementation of ABDM, benefiting millions of Indians with improved access to quality care.

Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, CEO of NHA, highlighted the evolving nature of digital health and the necessity of building awareness among all stakeholders.

“Our partnership with Maharashtra University of Health Sciences will play a transformative role in accelerating the adoption of digital health solutions across India, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-prepared to leverage these technologies for improved patient outcomes and efficient healthcare delivery,” Mukerjee stated.

Course Details & Future Plans

The DHFC, developed by MUHS with the support of the Koita Foundation, provides a comprehensive introduction to digital health fundamentals for doctors and healthcare providers. The course, designed by leading doctors and subject matter experts, will be available through various platforms, including Mission Karmayogi’s iGOT platform.

This initiative will offer Digital Health certification and continuing medical education credits to medical students, in-service doctors, and healthcare professionals.

Lt Gen Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), VC of MUHS, noted, “Digital Health is at the forefront of healthcare today, and understanding Digital Health and its use in patient care is imperative in this era. It is a proud moment for MUHS to make Maharashtra the first state in India to introduce digital health to all medical students. We look forward to supporting NHA in the national roll-out.”

The MoU also outlines plans to develop additional courses to further support the digital health landscape. Rizwan Koita, director of the Koita Foundation and chairman of the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), was present at the signing, underscoring the importance of this initiative in advancing healthcare education.