A CSR initiative of HDFC Bank Parivartan implemented in collaboration with the PanIIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation in Jharkhand, has transformed lives of hundreds of young women by supporting them with government-accredited skill-based Auxiliary Midwifery nursing training program.
While growing at around 22% CAGR, India’s healthcare sector continues to face shortages of trained medical professionals, especially nurses. An estimate by Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP) in the US suggests that India faces a shortage of 2 million nurses, ranking 75 out of 133 countries in nurse density. Jharkhand particularly lacks nurses compared to other states.
In a region grappling with shortages of trained medical professionals, especially nurses, HDFC Bank Parivartan's focus on market-linked skill training programs became instrumental in addressing this pressing need. The initiative has provided comprehensive support to three Nursing Kaushal Colleges, offering holistic training and employment opportunities to over 1500 aspiring young women from marginalized communities in Jharkhand.
Nursing Kaushal College, an autonomous ITI/ANM Nursing Model, was specifically designed to serve marginalised youth, including those from SC, ST, OBC, and remote districts across Jharkhand. Focused on skill development and employability, through this program 1552 women have been enrolled, embarking on a journey towards self-reliance and empowerment.
The impact of this initiative has been profound, with graduates now earning between two to three times of their annual family income. Moreover, over 94% of the graduates have received placement offers with a median salary of Rs 19,285 per month from various healthcare institutions, showcasing the efficacy of demand-linked skill training in addressing societal challenges and fostering inclusive growth.
Varsha Kumari (from Chanho, Jharkhand), a beneficiary of the program, shares her inspiring journey from a backward village in Jharkhand to becoming a thorough professional serving the community. After working with Apollo homecare in Kolkata for 2 years, she has now moved back closer to her home and works with The Hans Foundation in Ranchi, where she serves as a community. "The program has been a life-changing event for me," she says. "Now, I am able to provide timely financial support to my family. Nursing is a noble profession, and I am determined to excel in it.”
This initiative has a goal of imparting skill development and livelihood generation opportunities to 10000 women in Nursing by 2025.
Speaking on the success of the initiative, Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR, HDFC Bank, emphasized the bank's commitment to driving sustainable progress in society. "By imparting education and skills training to these aspiring young women, we are proud partners in their journey to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty," she said. "Through vocational degrees and placement programs, we are addressing the critical need for skilled nursing professionals in Jharkhand, nurturing a generation of change-makers."
Mr. T Kalyan Chakravarthy, Executive Director PanIIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation said, "We have students like Alma Xalxo, who came from economically deprived backgrounds. Her family's annual income was just Rs.36000. To make ends meet, the family depended on livestocks and farming, supporting nine members. After completing our training program, she secured a job at Apollo Homecare with an annual income of Rs. 1,88,724, more than four time increase in her family's income. This showcases the transformative impact of our Nursing Kaushal College program."
The success of HDFC Bank Parivartan's CSR initiative underscores the positive social change that the organisation is driving by empowering the youth and impacting their lives through innovative programs and partnerships.
HDFC Bank Parivartan is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of HDFC Bank, India's leading private sector bank. Committed to sustainable and inclusive growth, Parivartan focuses on key areas like financial inclusion, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Through innovative programmes and partnerships, Parivartan empowers communities and drives positive social change.
