This landmark initiative marks a significant step toward uniting India’s leading public health institutions to strengthen education, research, and practice across the country.

A Vision Born from Collaboration

The foundation for NSPHI was laid during an expert meeting held in June 2025, organized by PHFI. The gathering brought together academic leaders and experts from 13 premier public health institutions across India, sharing a common goal — to establish a collaborative and sustainable platform for advancing public health education, research, and practice.

The meeting served as a milestone in shaping India’s collective approach to public health. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions, identifying common priorities, and exploring partnership models that could enhance the quality and relevance of public health schools in India.

Bridging Gaps in Education, Research, and Practice

One of NSPHI’s core missions is to build a stronger, more cohesive ecosystem for public health education. The discussions emphasized the growing importance of Master of Public Health (MPH) programs and the need for standardized curricula, career pathways, and capacity building for educators and learners alike.

A detailed desk review led to the identification of 21 core public health functions and emerging professional roles for MPH graduates. These were refined through collaborative exercises, ensuring that the competencies developed align with India’s evolving health landscape.

In research, NSPHI aims to foster evidence-based, equity-driven studies that can inform health policies and interventions. In practice, it seeks to promote joint training programs, knowledge sharing, and cross-institutional initiatives that address critical national and regional health needs.

Learning from Global Models

The meeting also benefited from global insights, with experts from international networks such as ASPPH (USA), ASPHER (Europe), and CAPHIA/APACPH (Asia-Pacific) sharing their experiences. These global perspectives offered valuable guidance for developing a context-specific Indian model, helping shape NSPHI’s vision, mission, and governance structure.

Governance and Sustainability

The participants collectively agreed on a governance framework, membership criteria, and long-term sustainability strategies for NSPHI. The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) was designated to host the NSPHI Secretariat, which will oversee coordination, communication, and network activities.

The name Network of Schools of Public Health in India (NSPHI) was unanimously adopted, symbolizing unity, shared purpose, and national collaboration in public health advancement.