Chandigarh: The Department of Healthcare Management at Chitkara Business School, Chitkara University, Punjab, organised a virtual interactive session with eminent public health expert Dr Rakesh Gupta, President and Director of Public Health at the Strategic Institute for Public Health Education and Research (SIPHER).

Addressing students, Dr Gupta shared valuable insights into public health leadership, healthcare administration and policy advocacy. He spoke about SIPHER’s role in influencing state and national health policies through research and education, with a focus on non-communicable diseases, environmental health and social determinants of health.

Dr Gupta, a former Director of Health Services and the Chemical Examiner Laboratory at the Government of Punjab, highlighted his professional journey from ophthalmology to public health, underscoring the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning in healthcare. A recipient of the WHO World No Tobacco Day Award, he also discussed strategies to tackle tobacco addiction and emerging public health challenges.

The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, in which students sought guidance on policy implementation, bureaucratic challenges, and lessons from recent global health crises. The university said the session reinforced its commitment to providing industry-oriented exposure and preparing future-ready healthcare professionals.