National, 13th August 2026: 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.
