Understanding Public Health
Public health is not just a branch of medicine focused on doctors and hospitals.
It combines medical science, engineering (like sanitation), and social sciences (like poverty and behavior).
It also involves communication, behaviour change, and community engagement.
It is both a science (based on data and methods) and an art (based on persuasion and trust-building).
How Public Health Works in India
Public health is mostly treated as a State matter, though responsibilities are scattered across State, Union, and Concurrent Lists in the Constitution.
This leads to confusion and poor coordination between different government departments and levels.
Multiple ministries and departments handle separate parts — health, food, water, sanitation — but rarely work together.
Contradictions exist, like promoting tobacco farming while fighting tobacco-related diseases.
Public health has never been a unified national priority in India.
Problems in Public Health Education
Master of Public Health (MPH) courses lack standardisation across India.
Eligibility rules vary — some accept only medical graduates, others allow anyone.
Courses are inconsistent: some are too theoretical, others lack practical training.
Important topics like public health engineering, nutrition, behavioural science, and health technology are poorly covered or missing.
The two-year MPH course is overloaded and cannot effectively cover all key topics.
Modular training or flexible entry-exit systems may be better alternatives.
Lack of Career Pathways for MPH Graduates
MPH graduates face limited job opportunities in government roles.
There is no structured public health cadre in most States.
Many end up in low-impact roles or temporary NGO positions, wasting their skills.
Without strong public health professionals, India cannot handle modern challenges like pandemics, climate-linked diseases, or antibiotic resistance effectively.
What India Needs
A nationally standardised MPH curriculum with core competencies and room for local adaptation.
Practical, interdisciplinary training to create skilled professionals who can guide public health decisions.
A clear career structure to absorb MPH graduates into meaningful roles in government and policy.
Public health must be treated with the same priority as national security — planned, funded, and led with vision.
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