CHANDIGARH, 01.08.26-"The increasing burden of diseases across the world reminds us that strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals is no longer an option but a necessity. We must continue to collaborate, discuss shared challenges, and learn from each other's successes," said Dr. Sonu Goel, Program Director, International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP), while addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 34th International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP) at PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Organized under the prestigious Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the program successfully concluded its Nursing Leadership and Management edition, further strengthening India's commitment to global public health leadership, academic diplomacy, and South-South cooperation.

The ten-day international capacity-building program brought together 47 senior nursing professionals from 19 countries, providing a unique platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, leadership development, and sharing of best practices in public health management and health systems strengthening.Participants highly appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the School of Public Health, and the Department of Community Medicine, PGIMER, for organizing the program. A participant from Tanzania described the initiative as an enriching experience, stating, "This has been a truly mutually beneficial program. Beyond enhancing our professional knowledge, it has broadened our understanding of diverse healthcare systems, cultures, and approaches to public health across the world."

Delegates from various countries shared their experiences of learning at PGIMER Chandigarh and acknowledged India's robust healthcare ecosystem. They appreciated the program's practical and interactive learning methodology, particularly the exposure to innovative initiatives in PGIMER like Green Hospital Initiative, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO), Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), and ART Centre. The program highlighted how flagship Government of India initiatives, including the National Health Mission (NHM), Ayushman Bharat, the National Organ Transplant Programme, and the country's digital health and sustainability initiatives, are translated into practice at one of India's premier tertiary healthcare institutions. The delegates explored innovative approaches that strengthen health systems while advancing universal health coverage through quality, accessible, and patient-centred care. Educational visits to Fortis Hospital and Chitkara University were organised to showcase innovations in nursing education and healthcare management.

Reflecting on the decade-long journey of the initiative, Dr. Sonu Goel remarked, "Over the last ten years, IPHMDP has grown into a globally recognized model for leadership and management training. Rooted in India's timeless philosophy of 'VasudhaivaKutumbakam'- the world is one family -the program has gone beyond academic learning to build lasting partnerships, promote mutual trust, and foster international collaboration." He further highlighted that the program has now trained over 1,750 public health professionals from 97 countries, creating a vibrant global network of health leaders.