A strong public health workforce is crucial for a robust health system. India's history includes established community medicine training, but recent growth in public health programs has been significant, particularly amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for universal health coverage (UHC). While the number of institutions offering Master of Public Health (MPH) programs increased substantially, standardization and multidisciplinary approaches remain challenges. This study aims to understand the current capacity of public health education and training in India, identifying opportunities and challenges to inform recommendations for strengthening the field.

The introduction cites several existing studies on the Indian health workforce, the impact of COVID-19, the need for UHC, and the growth of MPH programs. These sources highlight the existing gaps in standardized curricula and the underrepresentation of non-medical professionals in public health training. The authors also reference frameworks for public health competencies and previous capacity assessments.

This study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. A desk review involved extensive internet searches to identify 59 institutions offering public health training across India. Data on program characteristics, student and faculty composition, and institutional collaborations were collected. This was followed by 13 in-depth interviews with faculty members from purposively selected institutions. The interviews explored barriers and opportunities in public health training. Quantitative data from the desk review were summarized descriptively, while qualitative data from interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, combining deductive and inductive coding to identify key themes.

The desk review revealed 59 institutions offering various public health qualifications (MPH, MS, diplomas, PhDs), predominantly graduate-level programs. Private institutions constituted a larger proportion (54%) than public institutions (44%). Geographic distribution showed clusters in several regions, with New Delhi and Bangalore having the highest concentration of programs. MPH programs were the most common. While most programs covered public health sciences, leadership, communication, and financial management were less represented. In-depth interviews highlighted several key factors: * **Collaborations:** Hands-on experience through field placements was highly valued, but the quality and availability of collaborations varied considerably. International collaborations were often prioritized over local partnerships. * **Mentorship:** Mentorship supported thesis development and career guidance, but retention of mentors and the lack of formal mentorship structures were challenges. * **Curriculum:** A lack of standardization and accreditation was identified, leading to inconsistencies in quality and the underrepresentation of social sciences. An overemphasis on medical backgrounds was also noted. * **Funding:** Public sector programs were generally affordable, but higher tuition fees in private institutions led some students to rely on loans. * **Student Demand:** Career pathways were unclear, particularly for students without prior medical backgrounds. The limited number of public health-specific job postings in the government sector was a significant barrier to attracting and retaining students.

The findings highlight the significant capacity but also the substantial challenges facing public health education and training in India. The lack of standardization, career clarity, and multidisciplinary approaches are key limitations. The study emphasizes the need to create clear career pathways within the public sector, promote multidisciplinary training, and establish a formal framework for accreditation and curriculum standardization. Addressing these factors is crucial for creating a robust and responsive public health workforce that can effectively address India's health challenges and contribute to UHC goals. The findings also underscore the need for more research focusing on students’ perspectives and the effectiveness of different training approaches.

Public health education in India shows considerable potential but requires strategic improvements. A multi-skilled, multi-disciplinary workforce is crucial. Clear career pathways and incentives are vital to attract and retain talent. Curriculum standardization and accreditation are needed to ensure quality. Effective mentorship programs should be implemented and incentivized. Continuous feedback mechanisms will improve relevance and effectiveness of training programs. Further research is needed to address remaining knowledge gaps.

The study’s limitations include the possibility of missing institutions without a web presence, reliance on faculty perspectives rather than direct student input, and challenges in contacting all identified institutions. The exclusion of community medicine programs also limits the scope of the analysis.