Panelist Discussed ssues,Opportunities and Challenges in Health Organizations in Six Day International Public Health Management Development Program

By Tricitynews Reporter

Chandigarh 20^th March:-A six day International Public Health Management Development Program commenced today on the 20^th of March at Hotel Shivalik View, Chandigarh, which is being organized by School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh in collaboration with Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease from 20^th to the 25^th of March, 2017.A total of 33 international participants (mostly directors and senior managers)from 21 countries across the globe are participating in the program. This program is first in the country on public health management being supported by Ministry of External Affairs, GOI. This program aims to enhance the skills and competencies of middle and senior level program managers for addressing public health challenges and strengthening efficiency of organizations in limited resource settings. 

Dr Sonu Goel, Additional Professor at School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh and Program Director, gave an overview of the program in which he told the importance of Public Health Management in achieving Universal Health Coverage and in addressing public health challenges in limited resource settings. The inauguration of program was done by the guests of honours viz. Ms. Vini Mahajan, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Govt. of Punjab; S.K. Dudeja, Indian Technical Economic Cooperation, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Dr KLN Rao, Director PGI, Chandigarh; Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Prof & Head, School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and Dr. Rana J Singh, Deputy Regional Director, South East Asia, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. There was a panel discussion on How Management and leadership in health organizations: Challenges and Opportunities. 

S.K. Dudeja appraised about the mission of ITEC program and how the programme would be helpful in increasing management capacity of senior programme managers in the country. He told that ITEC may think of conducting such programme in the future in collaboration with PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Vini Mahajan told the tips of enhancing leadership skills from her vast career which helped her in taking the team forward for achieving positive health indicators in the state of Punjab. Dr Rana enlisted principles and importance of advocacy to the participants which helped him in convincing the senior bureaucrats in taking decisions. Dr. Rajesh Kumar enlised key points as to how to make a health organization effective and efficient. 

In a session by Dr. Rana J. Singh, he discussed about the paradigm shift from Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals and how leadership and management principles help in achieving these goals. Later, Dr Vivek Adhish, Professor & Dean NIHFW discussed various leadership styles in improving health outcome of a health facility. He discussed that one type of leadership style may not be fit for all types of organizations and situations. Later, Dr Preethi Pradhan, Dean, Chitkara School of Health Sciences Chitkara University, Punjab deliberated on various theories of change management which included Kurt Lewin 3 step Model, John P Kotter 8 step Model and William Bridges Managing Transitions. All sessions were interactive with video clips and management games conducted during Lunch and tea breaks. The participants appreciated the programme, enthusiastically participated in all the sessions and gave positive feedback about the programme.