Bengaluru, India – 31st Jan 2025 – Dvara Health Finance (DHF) and the Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Bangalore, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and launch a Diploma in Community Health and Digital Healthcare Operations. This pioneering programme is designed to train healthcare workers to bridge gaps between patients, digital health technologies, and licensed healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
This initiative supports the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by developing a workforce skilled in deploying point-of-care diagnostics, digital health records, and telemedicine—all critical to making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.
Empowering Community Healthcare Through Digital Innovation
The 11-month diploma programme is structured into four competency-based levels:
· Community Health Facilitator: Educating communities on preventive healthcare, hygiene, and digital health record creation.
· Digital Health Technician: Conducting health screenings and managing digital patient data.
· Digital Multipurpose Health Worker: Performing phlebotomy, handling imaging tools, and supporting diagnostics.
· Community Health Leader: Leading public health campaigns, coordinating referrals, and improving community engagement.
With a strong practical and field-based training component, the programme ensures that graduates are equipped to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve health outcomes through digital tools and community-driven interventions.
Strengthening Financial and Health Resilience in Communities
Dvara Health Finance is actively working towards protecting Indian households from financial hardships arising from medical expenses. Through its NEEM offering, DHF provides access to trained health workers, a digital health platform, affordable medicines, and financial solutions that improve both financial and health outcomes.
DHF is currently piloting its model in Satara, Maharashtra, where its trained health workers—supported by digital tools—are enabling early detection and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. By expanding its reach through this diploma programme, DHF aims to scale its impact and build a cadre of skilled health workers across India.
Commenting on the partnership, Bindu Ananth, Founder & CEO, Dvara Health Finance, said, ”Given the rapid advances in digital health, the time is right for India to imagine a new cadre of community health workers – those that can combine patient empathy and proximity with technology versatility to use a range of screening, imaging and diagnostic tools. This will significantly close the gap in access to care, particularly for non-communicable diseases. We are delighted to partner with IIHMR Bangalore to realise this vision and look forward to partnering with many primary care providers as well.”
Building a Future-Ready Healthcare Workforce
IIHMR Bangalore, a leader in health management education and research, will bring its deep expertise in healthcare operations, digital health, and public health leadership to this collaboration. The institute has been at the forefront of shaping healthcare education and policy, making it the ideal academic partner to deliver a programme that integrates digital health innovation with hands-on community healthcare training.
Dr. Usha Manjunath, Director, IIHMR Bangalore, said, “The Diploma in Community Health and Digital Health Operations is a testament to IIHMR Bangalore’s commitment to bridging the gap between healthcare delivery and digital innovation. This program not only equips participants with critical skills but also empowers them to drive transformative changes in community health systems. Together with Dvara Health Finance, we aim to nurture a new generation of the primary healthcare workforce prepared to address the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare landscape with tech solutions.”
Who Can Apply?
The diploma is open to individuals who have completed Class 12 (any stream), with preference for those with healthcare or community service experience. Candidates must have basic digital literacy and the ability to communicate in regional languages and English. The curriculum is aligned with Health Sector Skill Council (HSSC) standards, ensuring graduates are job-ready and equipped with industry-recognised competencies. The course is likely to be launched in August 2025.
A Step Towards Systemic Change in Healthcare
With this partnership, Dvara Health Finance and IIHMR Bangalore are setting the stage for a new generation of skilled, digitally-empowered healthcare professionals at the grassroots. By combining community health expertise with digital innovation, this programme will play a crucial role in making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective for underserved populations.