Jaipur: Reflecting the growing participation of
women in healthcare research and academia, IIHMR University’s 13th PhD cohort
(2026), has registered incoming of 50% women scholars, marking a notable
rise from 32% in the previous cohort. The increase mirrors the expanding
role of women in generating evidence that informs healthcare policy,
strengthens health systems, and addresses emerging public health challenges.
The
new cohort comprises 20 doctoral scholars from leading healthcare,
research and policy institutions, including the World Health Organization
(WHO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR), NITI Aayog, AIIMS Jammu, Fortis Healthcare, Narayana
Health, Aster Medcity, The Antara Foundation, Shri Saraswati Karad Hospital,
and several other reputed institutions.
Dr.
PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University, shared, “The university received more
than 120 applications from India and overseas, including the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), Liberia, and other countries. Additionally, we have witnessed a
18% rise in female participation. Such diverse research perspectives are
essential for addressing complex public health challenges and developing
evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes. Our immersive programme aims
to nurture scholars who have the potential to influence and benefit communities
at scale.”
Over
the years, this doctoral programme has offered key domains, including Public
Health, Hospital and Health Management, Development Management, Digital Health,
and Pharmaceutical Management, fostering interdisciplinary research. Till 2025,
the university has awarded PhD degrees to 52 scholars, who have contributed
around 70 research papers published in peer-reviewed national and
international journals.
Welcoming
the scholars, Dr. Kajal Sitlani, Coordinator, PhD Programme, encouraged them to
embrace doctoral research with curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to
producing evidence that can shape healthcare policy and practice.
Providing
an overview of the academic journey ahead, Dr. Himadri Sinha, Provost, IIHMR
University, familiarised the scholars with the University's research framework,
academic regulations, and institutional support systems designed to facilitate
high-quality research and scholarly excellence. The inaugural programme
concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Suresh Chand Thakur,
Registrar, IIHMR University.