History

Amidst the backdrop of a world burdened with the weight of non-communicable and infectious diseases, there emerged a pressing realization: healthcare professionals required not only clinical expertise but also robust management and leadership skills to navigate the complexities of the modern health landscape.

In response to this imperative, Dr. Sonu Goel, the visionary behind the International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP), embarked on a journey of transformation. In 2016, armed with a fervent belief in the power of education to effect change, Dr. Goel conceptualized IPHMDP, a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gap in leadership and management training within the healthcare sector. The program's methodology was as innovative as its vision—fusing fun with learning, it catered specifically to the needs of managers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The response was overwhelming: despite being self-sponsored, over 100 nominations poured in the first course at the national level. From these, 36 participants from 15 states across India, including luminaries from premier institutes like AIIMS, were selected.

This marked the first milestone in IPHMDP's journey—a testament to its efficacy and relevance in addressing the critical need for leadership and management training within the healthcare sector.

Inspired by its success, an alumnus took the initiative to replicate the program in Peru, heralding its international expansion in 2017. However, due to language issues the program could not be carried out in the Peru. But with this call the course got an International Platform and evolved into an International program. Buoyed by this momentum, IPHMDP continued to evolve, recognizing the need to engage senior-level policymakers. Thus, in a significant development, a Public Health Policy and Management course was added, marking the second milestone in IPHMDP's evolution.

As the program continued to adapt to the changing times, it embraced the digital age, launching online courses that remained uninterrupted even amidst the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the third milestone—a testament to IPHMDP's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Responding to the growing demand for specialized knowledge, IPHMDP expanded its offerings, including diverse domains of public health management. Furthermore, recognizing the unique challenges faced by different nations, IPHMDP tailored country-specific courses, thereby solidifying its global footprint.

Today, IPHMDP stands as a beacon of excellence, its impact reverberating across 87 countries and counting. With over 1300+ participants and a resource faculty alumni group of 100+, it continues to forge ahead, steadfast in its commitment to creating leaders in the field of public health. Each milestone in its journey—from its inception to its international expansion, and its embrace of online education—serves as a testament to its unwavering dedication to the cause of global health.