Karnataka Health Minister launches T. T. Narasimhan School of Advanced Studies at Institute of Public Health

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday underscored the critical need for a renewed focus on public health and the development of strong public health leadership.

Speaking after launching the T.T. Narasimhan School of Advanced Studies at Institute of Public Health (IPH) Bengaluru during the institute’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the Health Minister said the government was open to partnerships with organisations such as IPH for strengthening public health and government healthcare services.

Lauding the institute’s research activities, the Minister said: “The IPH has engaged in research on important areas in public health and contributed immensely to various areas of public health including health policy, health systems and tribal health. Although the government’s intentions are good, yet sometimes we are not able to reach everyone, so we appreciate partnerships with us for strengthening public health and government healthcare services.”

T. T. Jagannathan, representing the T. T. Narasimhan family, expressed his family’s pride in supporting the initiative. “Guided by TT Narsimhan’s values of compassion and innovation, our family is proud to support the T. T. Narasimhan School of Advanced Studies at the Institute of Public Health. The School will nurture future leaders, empowering them to tackle the challenges of public health, strengthen health systems, and improve lives,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Prashanth N.S., Director of IPH Bengaluru, highlighted the two-decade journey of the institute as a testament to the dedication of public health professionals and their unwavering passion. He emphasised the crucial role of civil society organizations in collaborating with the government to improve healthcare access and strengthen health systems.

The day-long event, held at the IISC campus, brought together leading public health professionals, dignitaries, and partners. The programme also featured keynote talks by prominent global health leaders, including K. Srinath Reddy, founder of Public Health Foundation of India.  Latha Jagannathan from TTK-Rotary Medical Services Trust, Vikram Patel, founder of Sangath and a professor at Harvard Medical School (USA); Nirmala Nair, co-founder of Ekjut, Jharkhand which is well known for participatory work with Adivasi communities in Jharkhand and other States in India and Dr. H Sudarshan, Padmashree awardee and widely recognised for his work with Adivasi communities and rural health care in Karnataka.

Uma Mahadevan, Additional Chief Secretary and Karnataka’s Development Commissioner, delivered the annual Oration on her reflection as a public servant on Decentralisation, Governance and Health.