CM promises govt. support to India’s newest public health university coming up in Hyderabad

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy pledged the State government's unwavering backing for the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) to establish its Institute of Public Health Sciences (IPHS) Deemed-to-be University in Hyderabad, with a June 2, 2028 deadline for the campus completion. At the foundation-laying ceremony, Reddy highlighted the government's commitment to turning the institution into a world-class university, emphasizing its role in public health education, research, and healthcare both nationally and internationally.

He likened the university to institutions like Harvard and Oxford, expressing hope that it would become a globally recognized academic hub. Reddy recalled how institutions like the Indian School of Business contributed to Hyderabad's reputation as an educational and knowledge center, stating that the PHFI university would further enhance the city's identity.

PHFI Chairman Rajat Gupta emphasized the university's goal to achieve excellence through a world-class faculty, students, international collaborations, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. PHFI IPHS Chancellor Dr. K. Srinath Reddy expressed the foundation's aspiration to become the world's leading public health institution through multidisciplinary education, research, and implementation.

He detailed the foundation's mission to improve life expectancy, strengthen health systems, align policies with population health goals, and foster active community engagement. Pro-Chancellor Sanjay Zodpey described the university as a long-term institution serving generations of students, researchers, public health professionals, and communities.

He stressed the need for professionals equipped with interdisciplinary perspectives, evidence-based knowledge, and a commitment to equity and social impact. Vice-Chancellor M. Vishnu Vardhana Rao outlined the academic roadmap and expansion plans, aiming to offer at least six postgraduate programs, two undergraduate programs, PhD programs, and institute-level Master of Public Health programs within five years.

The research priorities include infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, One Health, mental health, disability, digital health, artificial intelligence, and data science.