The University of Hyderabad (UoH) formalised an MoU with the prestigious ESI Medical College & Hospital, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad on 29 March 2021 for a period of 5 years.

The MoU outlines mutual collaborations in the following areas:

  1. Academic Programs and Research Collaborations
  2. Teaching and Faculty exchange opportunities
  3. Assistance in the development of a hospital on UoH premises under the Institution of Eminence mandate.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, UoH, Prof. P Appa Rao by the Registrar, University of Hyderabad – Shri. P.Sardar Singh and the Dean  & Director of ESIMCH, Prof. M. Srinivas.

Speaking on the occasion,  the VC, Prof.  Appa Rao, lauded the partnership and said it is a “win-win” relationship between the institutions and encouraged the delivery of initiatives proposed in the MoU for the larger benefit of the population of Telangana state and beyond, as well as harnessing the capacity and capability of the institutions in mutual and reciprocal ways.

Prof. M. Srinivas highlighted the status of the ESI-MCH and said consistently what efforts it has made to now become the best ESI hospital in the country with about 17 super speciality services from ESI MCH Hyderabad alone. This, he said, was very unique. Prof Srinivas also offered a brief account of ESI’s efforts during the Covid-19 period.

Dean, School of Medical Sciences, Prof. P. Prakash Babu, said that it was an important day because we have cemented a long overdue partnership. He recognised the efforts of the School faculty and said it will help in furthering initiatives between institutions at multiple levels. This will facilitate translational research, bench to bedside and opens up newer research areas and opportunities across the schools.

The Director, IoE, Prof. Pramod Nayar said that this is a shot in the arm for the IoE programs in the university and welcomed this partnership. He said this MoU provides an opportunity  to start a one-of-its kind program in  the medical humanities where expertise from the ESI MCH and the multidisciplinary schools and centres of the university can come together to offer this innovative program.

Faculty from the ESI-MCH, School of Medical Sciences, School of Management Studies, UoH administration participated in the function.

The School of Medical Sciences has been one of the existing 12 schools in the university.

In the last academic council (88th) meeting the school has reported and also received approvals to proceed with the following initiatives to expand the scope of its work and further its mandate under the IoE. This also aligns well with the New Education Policy 2020.

They include:

  1. Announcement of new academic programs in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as an e-learning program with Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI).
  2. A diploma in Community Eye Health Program through the Centre for Distance and Virtual Learning (CDVL), UoH.
  3. Ophthalmic Dispensing optics as a 6 months certificate upskilling course with Carl Zeiss with CDVL, UoH.
  4. Establishment of a virtual centre for “One Health” program involving many Schools and Departments across the University and sister institutes in the city and Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI).
  5. Upskilling courses for nurses in critical & emergency care with Apollo Medskills.
  6. Entering into MoU with International Universities namely – University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia on optometry and vision sciences including public health;, University of Western Sydney, Australia & University of Central Lancashire, UK as well as national institutions namely – Fernandez Foundation, Hyderabad on professional midwifery programs as well as Access Health International (AHI), India on Health Systems Strengthening & Digital Health.

These initiatives permitted by the School Board were felt will go a long way in establishing the School of Medical Sciences as an important entity in fostering University Social Responsibility.