As reported in The Times of India (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-13/lucknow/29652790_1_health-problems-health-manpower-public-health)
LUCKNOW: Doctors, army personnel, professionals working in various non-government organisations, members from different health organisations are queuing up to Lucknow University to grab a seat in Masters of Public Health. The course is the only one in the country, which has been attracting beginners and professionals because of the wide knowledge it gives about the countrys public health system.
The course has been a success. We get to see not only freshers, but also people who are already working keen to join the course, because they think that this will give them an extra edge, said Prof Manoj Dixit, director, Dr Giri Lal Gupta Institute of Public Health and Public Affairs, Lucknow University.
Started in 2008-09 with only 17 students, the number has risen to 56 in the second year. In this rapidly changing society, it was very important to learn about public health. It is essential to prevent stress related diseases in public health today. Hence, the course gave a wide knowledge about health indicators, family planning, population policy and others, said Dr VK Shukla, a child specialist who was among the first batch of students to pursue the course.
On asking why the university chose to introduce a course in public health, Prof Dixit said, Public health has now become a great concern for the Centre and health organisations. And with proper training, we would be able to produce qualified professionals and enhance the skills of those already working. He also highlighted that even after striving hard, India has historically made an inadequate effort to address public health problems. Barely, 1.5% of gross domestic product is spent on health and even a lower proportion being spent on public health. Therefore, a step to set things in positive direction is important, said Dixit.
The course aims at developing health manpower by providing post-graduate training facilities, to conduct researches relating to various health problems and disease in the community, and most importantly, to provide support services in urban slums and rural areas. Besides, the students are also trained to support and guide various national level health programmes.
Talking on the job prospects, Dixit said, Students are placed in different health organisations, projects like National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). There is a wide range of opportunities for them.
LUCKNOW: Doctors, army personnel, professionals working in various non-government organisations, members from different health organisations are queuing up to Lucknow University to grab a seat in Masters of Public Health. The course is the only one in the country, which has been attracting beginners and professionals because of the wide knowledge it gives about the countrys public health system.
The course has been a success. We get to see not only freshers, but also people who are already working keen to join the course, because they think that this will give them an extra edge, said Prof Manoj Dixit, director, Dr Giri Lal Gupta Institute of Public Health and Public Affairs, Lucknow University.
Started in 2008-09 with only 17 students, the number has risen to 56 in the second year. In this rapidly changing society, it was very important to learn about public health. It is essential to prevent stress related diseases in public health today. Hence, the course gave a wide knowledge about health indicators, family planning, population policy and others, said Dr VK Shukla, a child specialist who was among the first batch of students to pursue the course.
On asking why the university chose to introduce a course in public health, Prof Dixit said, Public health has now become a great concern for the Centre and health organisations. And with proper training, we would be able to produce qualified professionals and enhance the skills of those already working. He also highlighted that even after striving hard, India has historically made an inadequate effort to address public health problems. Barely, 1.5% of gross domestic product is spent on health and even a lower proportion being spent on public health. Therefore, a step to set things in positive direction is important, said Dixit.
The course aims at developing health manpower by providing post-graduate training facilities, to conduct researches relating to various health problems and disease in the community, and most importantly, to provide support services in urban slums and rural areas. Besides, the students are also trained to support and guide various national level health programmes.
Talking on the job prospects, Dixit said, Students are placed in different health organisations, projects like National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). There is a wide range of opportunities for them.