IIT Kharagpur has unveiled a pioneering initiative to strengthen India’s healthcare workforce by launching the School for Skills: Healthcare & Technology. The centre, set to open its doors this November, will train rural and semi-urban youth for crucial roles in patient care and emergency services—sectors where the demand far outstrips the supply of trained professionals.

Beginning with an annual intake of 150 students, the school will offer nationally recognised certificate courses under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), with credentials from the Healthcare Sector Skill Council. The inaugural programs include General Duty Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician – Basic, and Phlebotomist, all designed to address pressing needs in community-level healthcare.

“This school is not just a training hub—it is a catalyst for change,” said IIT Kharagpur Director Professor Suman Chakraborty. “By combining skill development with technology, we aim to build a workforce that can serve the last mile, transform rural healthcare delivery, and contribute to inclusive growth.”

Graduates will gain practical exposure at the Syama Prasad Mukerji Super-Speciality Hospital on campus and in partner hospitals across the country. Many will also engage in field trials, validate emerging healthcare technologies, and support systematic health data collection in underserved regions.

Over time, IIT Kharagpur plans to expand the scope of courses, creating pathways for women and economically weaker students to enter the healthcare sector. By positioning itself at the intersection of skills, healthcare, and technology, the institute aims to plug critical gaps in rural medical services while opening new doors of employment for India’s youth.