CHANDIGARH, 20.05.26-The 33rd International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP) was inaugurated at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Mr. Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in the presence of 43 clinical and public health professionals from 20 countries.The inauguration marked the decennial celebration of the globally recognized flagship program that has trained nearly 1,700 healthcare professionals, administrators, and public health leaders from 97 countries in 10 years, emerging as an important platform for India’s public health diplomacy, South-South cooperation, and global knowledge exchange.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, championed the pivotal role of IPHMDP in reflecting India’s inclusive and context-specific approach towards public health leadership training. This decade-long success of this unique initiative has strengthened PGIMER’s contribution towards international academic engagement, understanding, and global health cooperation, Prof Lal added. He underscored that the initiative embodies India’s philosophy of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” — the world is one family.

Mr. Viraj Singh, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, stated that PGIMER is the only medical institute in India entrusted with conducting leadership and management program for health care professionals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. He recognized IPHMDP at the helm of India's Sustainable Capacity-building initiatives that lend self-sufficiency to the participating nations thereby expanding the stature of India as a global soft power in public health and socio-economic development cooperation. He appreciated the program’s role in fostering institutional linkages, peer learning,and enduring international goodwill.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sonu Goel, Program Director, IPHMDP, highlighted that the initiative has created a vibrant global network of “IPHMDP ambassadors” connected through shared learning, collaboration, and a collective commitment towards improving health systems in their respective countries through replication of best practices. Over the last 10 years, the program has evolved into an internationally acclaimed model of public health leadership training, positioning PGIMER Chandigarh as a global beacon of excellence in international public health capacity building and leadership development, Prof. Goel said.

As the program enters its 33rd edition, IPHMDP continues to advance the common vision of advancing global health through developing connections between countries.