UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 12 MARCH
A groundbreaking course created by Birmingham City University (BCU) to tackle the growing problem of diabetes in India has celebrated its first group of graduates.
Collaborating with global pharmaceutical company Lupin, BCU established the MSc Advancing Diabetes Care programme in 2019 to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to provide enhanced treatment for people living with diabetes.
Professor Wasim Hanif, Director for Advancing Diabetes Care at BCU, said: “The online course was set up primarily to rise to this challenge of diabetes across India and upskill health care professionals globally with advanced evidence-based practice.
“What we have achieved in India since the launch of the course is stupendous. Our students graduating with a prestigious post-graduate qualification is a source of great pride for all of us.”
The course, aimed at medical professionals, is the first to provide doctors from every state in India with Advancing Diabetes Care education.
Professor Anne Phillips, Programme Lead, said: “The reciprocity this course generated across the student group - and the community of practice in diabetes care that was generated - has driven diabetes care practice forwards. The doctors’ local populations have all benefitted accordingly, too."
The ceremony in Mumbai attracted a number of dignitaries and delegates from India and BCU, among them Harjinder Kanga, the British Deputy High Commissioner for Mumbai, and Professor Maxine Lintern, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences.
Also in attendance were David Waters, Academic Director for BCU Overseas Campuses, Claire J Roberts, Head of Nursing and Midwifery at BCU, Martha Stewart, Deputy Programme Lead, and Jayne Robbie, Senior Lecturer.
"It was my privilege to bestow the awards on the doctors during the ceremony and to hear their stories of how this innovative course has changed their medical practice,” said Professor Lintern.
“The difference it has already made to diabetes care across India is significant and growing.”