India’s clinicians to benefit from UNSW infectious disease expertise

Much has been made of the recent G20 trade talks between Australia and India. UNSW Medicine, however, is ahead of the game. Last year, it turned trade talk into action with a deal to share some of its world-class teaching expertise with Apollo Hospitals, India’s largest private healthcare group. 

Apollo will next month launch its first course in infectious diseases control via Medvarsity, its online e-learning venture. The course, which is aimed at nurses, doctors and allied health professionals, has been devised in collaboration with senior academics from UNSW’s School of Public Health and Community Medicine (SPHCM), including head of school, Professor Raina MacIntyre. 

“India faces many challenges in emerging and endemic infectious diseases, and there is a great need for enhanced training of clinicians,” says Professor MacIntyre. “Apollo's Medvarsity group is a leader in medical education. UNSW’s School of Public Health and Community Medicine is internationally recognised for its infectious diseases strength and as a leader in postgraduate education. It is very exciting to combine the strengths of Apollo and UNSW to bring new educational opportunities to India." 

The postgraduate diploma takes 12 months to complete and its syllabus covers topics including surveillance of infectious diseases, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, vaccines and current challenges to infectious diseases control. 

Ms Sangita Reddy, joint managing director of Apollo, visited UNSW today and enjoyed a tour of its world-class medicine faculty with Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Iain Martin and Professor MacIntyre. Ms Reddy has been instrumental in the development of Apollo’s education programs and has particular interest and expertise in e-learning.

"The world is seeing an alarming emergence of infectious diseases," Ms Reddy said. "It is important that the healthcare industry stakeholders must join hands to ensure that we have the required number of doctors skilled enough to deal with the situation while ensuring readiness on other fronts. I am convinced that this collaboration is the right step forward in this direction."

Professor Peter Smith, UNSW Dean of Medicine, said: “UNSW and Apollo have worked together to develop an exceptional curriculum and I am looking forward to travelling to India in December to launch it. It is an achievement of which all parties can be extremely proud."

The Apollo Hospitals Group includes 56 hospitals and 1500 pharmacies as well as several hundred primary care and diagnostic clinics. 

Sangita Reddy is one of the four daughters of Dr Prathap Reddy, the founder of Apollo Hospitals. 

Media contact: Professor Raina MacIntyre 0410 651 612 or 9385 3811.