Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad University recently announced the Bagchi School of Public Health. Established in 2023, the school is now named after philanthropists Susmita and Subroto Bagchi.

The university stated that a grant of Rs. 55 crore from the couple will help the development of physical, digital, and intellectual infrastructure. The school aims to improve public health education and research in India, and this grant will also help the school become a global leader in these fields.

The Bagchi School integrates research, education, and action. It will prioritize structured Master’s and PhD programs in specific core public health disciplines. The school’s flagship program, a PhD in epidemiology, equips students with the necessary advanced analytical as well as soft skills to tackle complex public health challenges, both ongoing and unforeseen. Initial focus areas include environmental health, analytical methods for health, including biostatistics, and data science. 

Research will focus on finding sustainable solutions to improve lifestyle, clinical practice, policy, and the environment. The school’s action arm will translate research findings into evidence-based initiatives and policies. The school also fosters collaboration through the Sahyog Centre for Promoting Health, established in partnership with the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). 

The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, Professor Pankaj Chandra, said, “It is a matter of pride for us that Ms Susmita Bagchi and Mr Subroto Bagchi chose our institution to implement their vision of creating knowledge and helping the underserved. Their support will help build global leaders in public health out of India. As a University promoting interdisciplinary research and education, this is a unique setting for public health faculty, practitioners, and students to significantly define our nation’s health agenda.” 

Subroto Bagchi, co-founder of Mindtree, commented, “COVID opened our eyes to the huge gap in the sphere of public health education and research in India. We reached out to Ahmedabad University, as we had had several previous interactions with them that deeply impressed us with regard to their vision, ability to foster and execute innovations, and their holistic approach to education and research.” 

Susmita Bagchi, added, “Initially, we had funded a Chair so that the University could attract a highly respected, globally experienced academic who would develop a School of Public Health like a start-up. Professor Kaumudi Joshipura emerged as the ideal person for this role. With great leadership in place, we feel confident that the institution will create a legacy for at least the next 100 years, and we want to up our engagement.” 

The Dean of the Bagchi School of Public Health, Professor Kaumudi Joshipura remarked, “The School will focus on delivering high-quality rigorous education programmes, while simultaneously identifying and promoting no-cost, low-cost, and cost-saving interventions to help improve health, especially for the underprivileged segments of society.” DeshGujarat