Career & Entrepreneurship Insights: Q&A with IIHMR Delhi’s Associate Dean 

In an exclusive interview with Globus Tycoon, Dr. Divya discussed the growing importance of healthcare management post-COVID. She emphasized the need for more skilled professionals in the field, highlighting the potential for both improved careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Dr. Divya Aggarwal is an accomplished Associate Dean at IIHMR Delhi and brings 17 years of academic and consultancy prowess. Her strategic leadership led to a triumphant NAAC “A” grade Accreditation at IIHMR Delhi. Renowned as a ‘Strategic beahviour change facilitator’ she ignites entrepreneurship, emphasizing talent retention, workforce management, and networking to empower India’s youth. 

Dr. Divya Aggarwal, thank you for joining us today to discuss the scope of employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation in healthcare education. 

It is my pleasure to be here. 

Ma’am, how has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the growth of the healthcare sector and the demand for management education within it? 

The pandemic has underscored the critical role of healthcare and spurred increased government and private investment in the sector. This heightened focus has created more opportunities for both working professionals and entrepreneurs and highlighted the need for skilled healthcare management professionals in the country. 

Employability and Entrepreneurship Opportunities 

May you kindly elaborate on the potential for both employability and entrepreneurship within the healthcare industry, particularly in Tier 2 cities? 

Tier 2 cities present significant opportunities for healthcare employment and entrepreneurship due to their increasing demand for quality healthcare services outside metropolitan areas. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on this demand by strategically planning and developing healthcare facilities and services tailored to the needs of these communities. While, from an employability perspective, getting better qualified for these roles helps one be ready for such opportunities. 

Also, what potential employment and business opportunities do demographic shifts and lifestyle diseases present in the healthcare industry overall? 

Demographic shifts, such as the aging population, urbanization and the rise in lifestyle diseases, create demand for specialized healthcare services and solutions. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on these trends by offering preventive healthcare services, disease management programs, and innovative technologies to address the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers. There is always a lot of scope for jobs  

Challenges and Motivations for Healthcare Professionals 

What challenges and motivations do healthcare professionals face when considering management education and entrepreneurship? 

Healthcare professionals often face the challenge of balancing their clinical expertise with the managerial skills required for effective healthcare administration. The motivation lies in addressing systemic issues within the healthcare sector, such as improving patient care, optimizing resource utilization, and driving innovation. Management education equips them with the necessary tools to navigate these challenges and contribute to meaningful change in the industry. Many of these students with their developed expertise are also becoming entrepreneurs of tomorrow. 

Do you think the lack of management interest among medical professionals creates entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the healthcare sector? 

The absence of management skills in doctors presents a gap in the healthcare system. This is primarily because practicing doctors do not prefer to leave their field of study to take up managerial KPIs. Here, entrepreneurs or scholars with a background in both healthcare and management bridge this gap by offering specialized services and solutions tailored to the needs of both medical professionals and patients based on their studies in this field. 

Government Initiatives, ABHA, Digitalization and Technology in Healthcare 

May you elaborate on the impact of digital government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat or ABHA scheme on the overall sector? 

Government initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat aim to increase healthcare accessibility for the general population at large. This scheme is directly benefitting a large section of society and aims to cover all Indians under the scheme. For such a large initiative it requires a large team to manage. As part of the ABHA collaboration, IIHMR works closely with partner institutions, government agencies, and international organizations to develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges and promote excellence in education and research. Our faculty members actively contribute their expertise to ABHA volunteer program, creating an awareness among the population regarding creation of ABHA account and its benefit. 

Could you throw some more light on the government’s initiatives regarding the implementation and impact of the ABHA ID system in healthcare management and administration? 

Certainly. The government’s ABHA ID initiative is a significant step towards modernizing healthcare management. By providing a unified identification system, ABHA ID enhances patient care, facilitates seamless data management, and promotes interoperability across various healthcare institutions. This not only improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also ensures better coordination among healthcare providers, ultimately benefiting patients and the healthcare system as a whole. 

How do you see this digitization of healthcare records and the use of technology impacting the healthcare sector in general? 

Digitization of healthcare records and the use of technology create opportunities for both employees and entrepreneurs alike. There comes a growing need to develop innovative solutions for healthcare data management, patient care, and diagnosis. Entrepreneurs can leverage technology to streamline healthcare processes, improve patient outcomes, and enhance overall efficiency in the healthcare industry while creating impactful job opportunities for several students at the same time. 

Innovation in Medical Imaging and Diagnostics 

With digitization practices and technology being embedded everywhere, how do you think innovation in medical imaging and diagnostics is largely contributing to developing employability and entrepreneurship in healthcare? 

Innovation in medical imaging and diagnostics, coupled with AI advancements, presents entrepreneurs with transformative opportunities in healthcare. Developing advanced technologies and AI-driven solutions can enhance disease diagnosis, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. This simply adds up to more jobs and more business. 

Courses, Accreditations, and Partnerships 

As you mentioned leadership courses and training programs, can you take us through the many courses that IIHMR offers and how are these helpful for students going for a career in health and hospital management? 

IIHMR offers diverse programs in hospital and health management, the first of these being PGDM in the same discipline itself. Added to it, our fellow program in management and executive programs on Hospital Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain courses are all industry-collaboration and research-projects driven. These courses blend theory with practical insights and experiential learning, equipping students with skills for healthcare management and research roles. Faculty expertise, industry linkages, and real-world exposure ensure students gain valuable knowledge and competencies to excel in the dynamic healthcare sector. These courses also provide essential knowledge and expertise for entrepreneurs looking to establish successful healthcare ventures. 

Could you tell us about IIHMR’s accreditations and partnerships? 

IIHMR is accredited by bodies like NBA, and NAAC, ensuring adherence to high-quality education standards. Additionally, we have strategic collaborations with institutions like Imperial College London, National Health Authority, Mahidol University, University of Jaffna, and, Emirates Hospital, and many more. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and student mobility programs, enriching our academic offerings and global exposure for students and faculty alike. 

Partnerships and Initiatives for Career Development 

Can you share some added initiatives employed by IIHMR Delhi to help students in specialized healthcare courses? 

One notable initiative is conducting sessions with potential universities and colleges to educate students about the potential of the healthcare domain. Additionally, we regularly organize webinars on relevant topics to create visibility and attract students to our programs. 

How do collaborations and partnerships contribute to more employability and entrepreneurship in this field for an institution like yours? 

By partnering with research institutions, universities, hospitals, and international organizations, our students access resources, expertise, and networks that support innovation and growth. These collaborations enable them to understand and even develop and commercialize new technologies, expand market reach, and drive impact in the healthcare industry. 

Can you provide examples of specific campaigns that you have organized and have had a significant impact on employability and entrepreneurship ventures? 

World Leprosy Day is a prime occasion for IIHMR to drive awareness. Our national level quiz competition engaged students and stakeholders, fostering entrepreneurship and social responsibility. Such events inspire innovative solutions for pressing healthcare issues. 

Thank you for your cooperation and time in participating in this feature interview, sharing valuable insights on entrepreneurship opportunities and expansion in public healthcare. We appreciate it greatly. 

My pleasure. Nice talking to you and looking forward to contributing to the careers of aspiring talent across the country.