Punjab Government sends Doctors to IIM Ahmedabad for Management Training

The first batch will consist of 30 senior medical officers, with a budget of ₹60 lakh allocated by the health department to fund the programme. The training aims to equip the SMOs with the necessary managerial skills to efficiently manage healthcare delivery and address the diverse needs of the population.

The Punjab government is sending its senior medical officers (SMOs) to the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, for a week-long management training programme. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing managerial challenges within the healthcare sector.

30 SMOs to Participate in the First Batch

The first batch will consist of 30 senior medical officers, with a budget of ₹60 lakh allocated by the health department to fund the programme. The training aims to equip the SMOs with the necessary managerial skills to efficiently manage healthcare delivery and address the diverse needs of the population.

Objective: Building Excellence in Healthcare Management

According to official documents, the objective of this training is to enhance the ability of healthcare leaders to respond effectively to public health needs, build institutions of excellence, and influence health policies. The programme will focus on developing the skills needed to improve healthcare services and promote better management practices in the health sector.

A Customised Programme for SMOs

The training course, titled 'Customised Management Development Programme for SMOs,' will replace the earlier 'Professional Development Course,' which was discontinued eight years ago. Experts from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), along with other renowned institutions, will provide training to the SMOs during the programme.

Why IIM-Ahmedabad?

While the National Health Systems Resource Centre offers free training for doctors, the Punjab government has opted for the esteemed IIM Ahmedabad for this special training. The Centre for Management of Health Services (CMHS) at IIM-Ahmedabad is one of the oldest and most respected centers for health services management, established in 2004. It has been recognized for its significant contributions to the health sector and its role in strengthening healthcare management in the context of socio-economic changes in India.

In a similar effort to improve education standards, the Punjab government has recently sent government teachers to Singapore for training. This new initiative for doctors follows suit, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving public sector services through professional development.

This initiative is a first for the Punjab government in the healthcare sector. For the first time, senior government doctors will receive specialised training at one of the country’s most prestigious management institutes, paving the way for improved healthcare administration and delivery in the state.

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