IGNOU to launch 4 new skill-based Health Programmes

Indira Gandhi National Open University's (IGNOU) School of Health Sciences (SOHS) is introducing four new skill-based Health Programmes. The programmes have been launched to create trained healthcare personnel for improving healthcare delivery across India.

T.K. Jena of SOHS, IGNOU, said, "The programmes will be implemented through a nation-wide support services framework. A supervision and monitoring network at State and District level is being created in collaboration with MOHFW, IGNOU and other institutions as identified by MOHFW. An MOU has already been signed between IGNOU and MoHFW to develop and launch these programmes."

The programmes introduced include Certificate in General Duty Assistance (CGDA) to develop a pool of trained workforce who can aid the nurses and doctors; Certificate in Phlebotomy Assistance (CPHA) for assistance in diagnostics; Certificate in Geriatric Care Assistance (CGCA), to help the elderly; and Certificate in Home Health Assistance (CHHA) to provide personal care at home like meal preparation, and help with hygiene and exercise.