About us
Our Vision
Enhancing public health education, research & practice for Swastha Bharat/ Healthy India
Our Mission
Through collaborations and partnerships among member institutions:
- Assuring excellence in public health education
- Promoting program, policy relevant, equity driven research
- Strengthening health systems public health practice and community engagement
- Acting as a platform for health policy dialogue
About us
Recognizing the increasing demand for collaborative efforts in enhancing public health education, research, and practice, the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) organised an expert meeting in June 2025, which brought together, academic leaders and experts from 13 top public health institutions from India, with a common aim of establishing a Network of Schools of Public Health in India (NSPHI). Participants collaboratively discussed the way forward for the shared objective of fostering a cohesive and sustainable platform for collaboration in public health education, research, and practice.
The meeting served as a platform for sharing experiences, identifying common priorities, and exploring partnership models aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of public health schools in the country. Participants also discussed the vital role of Schools of Public Health in addressing regional health needs, promoting health equity, and contributing to the achievement of national and global health goals. The meeting focused on sharing insights about the current landscape, emerging trends, and future directions in public health education in India, particularly regarding the growth and diversity of Master of Public Health (MPH) programs. Discussions addressed workforce projections, program variations, and the importance of creating clearly defined career pathways for MPH graduates. A comprehensive desk review identified 21 core public health functions and several emerging roles relevant to MPH professionals, which were further refined and prioritized through collaborative exercises among participants
Global Perspectives and Insights
Global perspectives and models of similar networks operating globally were shared by experts from international networks such as ASPPH (USA), ASPHER (Europe), and CAPHIA/APACPH (Asia-Pacific), offering valuable guidance for developing an Indian network. These insights helped shape the proposed vision, mission, and core activities of NSPHI, which aim to enhance excellence in public health education, program- and policy-relevant research, promote equity-driven research, and strengthen public health practice.
Network Structure and Governance
Participants discussed key components for the network’s structure, including membership criteria, roles & responsibilities, governance mechanisms & structure, and strategies for long-term sustainability. PHFI was designated to host the network secretariat, with supporting communication and coordination mechanisms.
Following deliberations, the name Network of Schools of Public Health in India (NSPHI) was unanimously adopted.
Significance of Establishing NSPHI
Establishing a Network of Schools of Public Health in India is crucial for addressing the pressing public health challenges in India. The network will help develop a skilled workforce, advance research, and facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration across institutions.
Through institutional collaborations, the network can promote best practices, standardized curricula, and innovative teaching methods, improving the quality of public health education.
In public health practice, the network can support joint training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and evidence-based interventions to address critical health issues.
By way of collaborations in public health research, the network can promote evidence-based research useful for policymakers to make informed decisions. Overall, this network can strengthen public health education, research, and practice, creating a more connected and effective health system.