IIT Kharagpur Launches New Facility to Train Youth in Healthcare Jobs

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Kharagpur: IIT Kharagpur has announced the launch of the School for Skills: Healthcare and Technology, a new facility designed to provide specialised healthcare training to rural and semi-urban youth.

The initiative aims to prepare allied health professionals who can strengthen community-level healthcare delivery across India.

Academic and Practical Training

The programme has been structured to combine academic instruction with practical exposure. It will begin with an annual intake of 150 students. Short-term certificate courses will be offered under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), ensuring that the qualifications are nationally recognised and industry relevant.

Courses to Meet Urgent Needs

Initially, the centre will roll out three key courses: General Duty Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, and Phlebotomist. These courses are targeted at meeting pressing demands in patient care and emergency services, especially in underserved regions. Classes for the first batch of students will begin in November 2025.

Significance of the Initiative

According to IIT Kharagpur, the School for Skills is intended to serve as a catalyst for change by combining skill development with technology. The institute emphasised that the programme will help build a healthcare workforce capable of serving the last mile, transforming rural healthcare delivery, and contributing to inclusive growth at the national level.

Collaboration with NSDC

All programmes will run in affiliation with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. On successful completion, participants will receive certifications from the Healthcare Sector Skill Council, a credential expected to boost employability in healthcare institutions.

Deployment and Field Contribution

Graduates will be deployed at the Syama Prasad Mukerji Super-Speciality Hospital on the IIT Kharagpur campus as well as in partner hospitals and institutions. A section of the workforce will also engage in field trials to validate healthcare technologies developed at IIT Kharagpur. Their role will include systematic health data collection in rural West Bengal and other regions.

Expanding Opportunities

The institute has indicated that more courses will be introduced in the coming years. By offering structured healthcare training, the programme aims to create new employment opportunities and encourage participation from women and students from economically weaker sections.