IIT-Kharagpur Forges Strategic Alliance with VECC and CNCI for Advanced Medical Education
In a landmark development for India's healthcare and education sectors, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur) has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two premier national institutes. The collaboration involves the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC) and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), aiming to launch specialized Master of Science (MSc) programmes in nuclear medicine and medical physics.
Programme Launch and Academic Structure
The new MSc courses are scheduled to commence from the 2026-27 academic session, marking a pivotal step in strengthening India's capabilities in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and advanced clinical research. These programmes will be offered under the auspices of IIT Kharagpur's School of Medical Science and Technology, which is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to healthcare education.
Each course will admit a select cohort of 10 students, ensuring personalized attention and high-quality training. Admission to these prestigious programmes will be based on the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM), a standardized examination that evaluates candidates' aptitude for advanced studies in science and technology.
Enhancing Healthcare Infrastructure and Research
Beyond academic offerings, the collaboration envisions significant advancements in healthcare infrastructure. According to an official statement from IIT-Kharagpur, the institute plans to develop state-of-the-art facilities at the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital. These enhancements will include:
- Day-care chemotherapy units to provide convenient and efficient treatment options for cancer patients.
- Advanced radiology services incorporating cutting-edge imaging technologies for precise diagnosis.
- Integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cancer technologies to revolutionize treatment protocols and research methodologies.
This initiative underscores a commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and practical healthcare applications, fostering innovation in oncology and related fields.
Leadership and Signatories
The MoU was formally signed by distinguished leaders from the three collaborating institutions. Representing IIT-Kharagpur was Director Suman Chakraborty, while CNCI was represented by Director Jayanta Chakrabarti, and VECC by Director Sumit Som. Their collective expertise and vision are expected to drive the success of this tripartite partnership, positioning India as a global leader in nuclear medicine and medical physics education.
This collaboration not only highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary studies in addressing complex healthcare challenges but also sets a precedent for future partnerships between technical institutes and medical research centers in India.
