IIHMR
University commenced its four-day Orientation Programme for the Batch 2026-28,
welcoming 450+ students from 25 states across India. The new cohort comprises
students enrolled in MBA (Hospital and Health Management), MBA (Pharmaceutical
Management), MBA (Healthcare Analytics), and Master of Public Health
programmes.
The
inaugural day featured an Inauguration Ceremony bringing together academic
leadership and healthcare industry experts. The session featured Dr. P.R.
Sodani, President, IIHMR University; Mr. Vijayarathna Venkatraman, Chief
Executive Officer, Motherhood Hospitals; Mr. Deepak Venugopalan, Regional Chief
Operating Officer, Manipal Health Enterprises; Mr. Nilesh Maheshwari, Partner –
Health Transformation, Grant Thornton Bharat; Ms. Neha Lal, Associate Vice
President, Adani Healthcare; and Dr. Rajat Jain, President, Doctors For You.
Dr
P.R. Sodani, President,
IIHMR University, while addressing the newly admitted students, shared, “Today
is more than the beginning of an academic programme in your life. It is the
beginning of a journey - a journey of learning, of discovery, of relationships,
and ultimately, of leadership. You have come to IIHMR University from diverse
backgrounds, bringing with you varied experiences, perspectives, and
aspirations. Yet, from today, you share something very special—a common
opportunity to become part of a community that, for more than four decades, has
been shaping professionals, strengthening health systems, and preparing leaders
for a sector that touches every human life. The healthcare sector is among the world’s
largest and fastest-growing sectors, and it is undergoing a transformation
unlike anything we have seen before. Technology is reshaping how healthcare is
delivered. Data is fundamentally changing how decisions are made. Artificial
intelligence is opening new possibilities in diagnosis, treatment, prevention,
and health management. Yet, alongside these remarkable opportunities, we face
profound challenges. In India, millions of people continue to face barriers to
accessing, affording, and receiving quality health care, and to achieving equity
in healthcare. The challenge before us, therefore, is not simply to adopt new
technology but to ensure that innovation translates into better health outcomes
and more accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for every citizen.”
Mr.
Vijayarathna Venkatraman,
Chief Executive Officer, Motherhood Hospitals, said, “All the global and all
the leading networks in this country can expand into the Tier 2 and Tier 2
cities due to the socioeconomic status and the awareness that health is very
important. So, you all have a very great opportunity to establish yourself and
contribute significantly to this industry. As healthcare managers, you all are
very fortunate because you have a unique opportunity to apply your business
principles in a very empathetic environment.”
Motivating
the new batch, Mr. Deepak Venugopalan, Regional Chief Operating Officer,
Manipal Health Enterprises, said, “Protect your self-worth, pair humility with
respect, master chaos and ambiguity, own the full transaction range, and
normalise failure. Learn, earn and return, that is the way you should phase
your career out.”
Sharing
his insights, Mr. Nilesh Maheshwari, Partner – Health Transformation,
Grant Thornton Bharat, said, “Keep your mind open and remain curious,
experiment as much as possible, and embrace continuous learning and
collaboration. Perseverance and patience will help you navigate the
complexities of healthcare, while positioning yourself as a problem solver will
build your professional identity.”
Ms.
Neha Lal, Associate Vice
President, Adani Healthcare, shared, “The next generation of healthcare leaders
must be bilingual in data, operations, clinical research, and social equity. By
collaborating across these disciplines, we can build the momentum needed to
shape the future of healthcare and create innovative, patient-centric solutions
for tomorrow’s world.”
Dr
Rajat Jain, President, Doctors
For You, shared, “Education is the biggest equaliser in the world. Nobody,
nobody cares about your story till you win. And that is why you must win. I
wanted my life to be meaningful and to be of value to society, but most
importantly, I wanted to sleep without guilt in the night.”
The
first day also featured Team Olympics-2026, an interactive team-building
experience designed around communication, trust, strategy, coordination,
leadership, problem-solving and team spirit.
Scheduled
from August 12 to 15, the orientation is designed to help students familiarise
themselves with the University's academic ecosystem, build professional
networks and develop the perspectives and skills required to become future
leaders in healthcare.
The
programme will also host a cultural rendezvous on 14th August 2026, featuring
Padma Bhushan Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Ji, a Grammy Award winner, the creator
of the Mohan Veena, and a renowned Hindustani classical music maestro, as the
Chief Guest and Dr Lalit K Panwar, Former Chairman of Rajasthan Public Service
Commission, as the Guest of Honour.