Metropolis Foundation has launched the 7th edition of its prestigious MedEngage Scholarship Programme, reaffirming its commitment to fostering the next generation of medical professionals in India. This initiative continues to provide crucial financial aid, research grants, and hands-on learning opportunities to talented medical students, empowering them to pursue their dreams without financial constraints. With a special focus on underprivileged students from aspirational districts, the programme aims to bridge educational gaps and nurture future healthcare leaders who will drive meaningful change in the sector.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Dr. Duru Shah, Chairperson of Metropolis Foundation, shares insights into the inspiration behind MedEngage, its growing impact on medical students, and the vital role scholarships and research grants play in shaping skilled healthcare professionals. She discusses how the programme is addressing the shortage of medical talent, promoting innovation through research, and supporting students from underserved communities. Additionally, she highlights inspiring success stories of past recipients and outlines the Foundation’s future plans to expand the initiative’s reach and impact.
Continue reading to learn more:
Q. Why was the MedEngage Scholarship Programme created, and how does it contribute to Metropolis Foundation’s goal of nurturing future medical professionals?
A. India's healthcare system faces a critical challenge: many talented and ambitious students with the potential to become future medical leaders are unable to pursue their dreams due to financial constraints. Despite the growing need for skilled medical professionals, the path to a career in medicine often remains inaccessible for deserving candidates who lack the resources to fund their education, research, or access to modern medical technology. This limitation not only affects individual aspirations but also hinders the growth of the healthcare ecosystem, which urgently requires innovative and well-equipped specialists to meet the nation’s diverse needs.
To address this issue, Dr. Sushil Shah, Chairman Emeritus of Metropolis Healthcare, launched the MedEngage Scholarship Programme in 2018 as a flagship CSR initiative. MedEngage bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity by offering scholarships, research grants, and hands-on exposure to advanced medical technologies. The program provides students with access to Metropolis' state-of-the-art laboratories, observerships, and internships, allowing them to gain practical experience and contribute to healthcare innovation.
Through MedEngage, the Metropolis Foundation fosters a knowledge-driven community by collaborating with medical and scientific experts globally. The program addresses the educational and practical challenges faced by aspiring medical professionals, enabling them to drive innovation in patient care. By nurturing a new generation of healthcare leaders, MedEngage strengthens the medical ecosystem and contributes to a more equitable and progressive healthcare future for India, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to empowering talent and advancing healthcare excellence.
Q. This year, the programme emphasizes supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds in aspirational districts. What motivated this focus, and what impact do you hope to achieve in these communities?
A. The decision to focus on aspirational districts aligns with our mission to provide equitable access to education and healthcare opportunities in regions that face systemic challenges. These 112 districts, identified by Niti Aayog, are pivotal for India’s development. By targeting these areas, we aim to address the gap in resources and access to quality education, ensuring that deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds can pursue their medical careers.
By supporting these students, we are fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals who are attuned to the unique needs of underserved regions. This focus ensures that the future of healthcare in these areas will be shaped by professionals who understand local challenges and are empowered to bring innovative solutions to the forefront.
Q. The healthcare sector often faces a shortage of skilled professionals. How does the MedEngage Programme contribute to addressing this gap, and what role do scholarships and research grants play in equipping students for the challenges of modern healthcare?
A. The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals is a pressing issue, and MedEngage directly addresses this by investing in the education and development of future medical leaders. Scholarships help alleviate financial barriers, allowing students to focus on their studies, while research grants encourage critical thinking and innovation. These resources equip students with the skills needed to tackle modern healthcare challenges. MedEngage fosters a diverse talent pool, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-prepared to meet the complexities of healthcare in the 21st century.
Q. The programme offers research grants and access to laboratory facilities. Could you discuss the significance of these opportunities for young medical professionals and how they inspire innovation in healthcare?
A. Research grants and access to Metropolis’ state-of-the-art laboratories provide students with invaluable opportunities to engage in impactful research and address complex medical challenges. These hands-on experiences nurture a culture of academic excellence and encourage students to explore innovative solutions. By fostering research and innovation, the program accelerates individual growth and contributes to advancements in diagnostics, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes, ultimately enhancing India’s healthcare ecosystem.
Q. Can you share any success stories or examples of how past scholarship recipients have leveraged this initiative to make a meaningful impact in the medical field?
A. Since its inception, MedEngage has supported over 750 students, with 301 scholarships and research grants awarded in FY 2023-24 alone. The program has received over 6,000 applications from across India, emphasizing its wide reach and impact. The program's commitment to inclusivity is a key strength, with 60% of scholarship recipients being women, highlighting a focus on gender diversity in the medical field. Additionally, by supporting around 60 students from aspirational districts, the program is addressing critical gaps in underserved regions, ensuring equitable access to opportunities where they are needed most.
The impact of MedEngage is best reflected in the inspiring journeys of its beneficiaries:
Dr. Ruthik Buthek, a student at Government College, Aurangabad, comes from a humble background, where financial hardships nearly derailed his dream of becoming a doctor. With support from MedEngage, Ruthik was able to purchase essential resources like books and Marrow subscriptions, boosting his confidence and academic performance. By 2023-24, he emerged as a winner from an aspirational district and actively promoted the program in his college, inspiring seven additional winners to participate.
Another notable example is Prasanna S. from Madras Medical College, whose resilience in the face of personal tragedy is truly commendable. After losing his father to cancer in 2023, Prasanna struggled with emotional and financial challenges, even considering abandoning his medical education. The MedEngage scholarship helped him continue his studies, purchase UPSC preparation materials, and prepare for his exams. Today, he is focused on contributing to the field of oncology and making a meaningful difference in patient care.
The story of Dr. Shankar Dey from a remote village in West Bengal further illustrates the life-changing impact of MedEngage. The son of a rickshaw puller, Shankar was inspired to pursue medicine after losing his sister to leukemia at the age of eight. Despite having no access to coaching, he worked tirelessly to clear competitive exams. During his COVID duty, he went above and beyond by donating blood to save a young girl’s life. With support from MedEngage, Shankar was able to purchase a smartphone, enabling him to attend online classes and prepare for the UPSC exams. His journey reflects the program’s commitment to nurturing purpose-driven medical professionals who are passionate about improving healthcare in underserved communities.
MedEngage goes beyond providing financial assistance—it creates opportunities for students to excel academically, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare. By fostering resilience, compassion, and a commitment to excellence, the program is building a new generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to addressing India’s diverse medical needs. MedEngage stands as a purpose-driven initiative, empowering future healthcare professionals to create a brighter and more inclusive future for the sector.
Q. Beyond financial aid, the MedEngage Programme offers observerships, internships, and access to world-class laboratories. Could you share insights into how these opportunities help in shaping a well-rounded medical education for the participants?
A. MedEngage offers experiential learning that complements financial support. Observerships provide exposure to advanced medical practices, while internships offer hands-on experience in diagnostics and laboratory operations. Access to world-class laboratories equips students with the latest techniques and knowledge. These opportunities bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students to navigate real-world healthcare challenges and emerge as well-rounded medical professionals.
Q. Collaboration seems to be a cornerstone of the MedEngage initiative. How have your partnerships with organizations like Deloitte and other stakeholders enhanced your efforts to nurture young medical talent?
A. Collaboration with diverse stakeholders has been crucial in amplifying the impact of the MedEngage Scholarship Program, enabling us to effectively nurture young medical talent. By partnering with an independent process Partner ‘Deloitte’, we have ensured a rigorous and transparent selection process, enhancing the program's credibility by awarding scholarships and research grants to the most deserving candidates based on merit and socio-economic factors.
The program benefits greatly from the active involvement of Metropolis’ internal network, including over 250 doctors and 3,500+ scientific professionals. Their networks help promote the program and increase registrations, while our sales team plays a vital role in reaching medical colleges across the country, ensuring even remote areas are represented. Past winners also contribute by serving as ambassadors, sharing their success stories, and encouraging their peers to apply, creating a continuous cycle of inspiration.
Collaboration with medical institutions and research bodies has also fostered a focus on research and innovation, with grants encouraging students to address complex healthcare challenges. Through these partnerships, we have nurtured a generation of healthcare professionals with both academic excellence and a drive for inquiry. Additionally, the Metropolis CSR team leverages digital platforms, including websites, social media, and email campaigns, to expand the program's reach and ensure maximum engagement across the country.
Q. With over 750 students supported so far, what metrics do you use to measure the success of the programme? Also, what are your future plans for scaling the MedEngage initiative and its impact on the healthcare ecosystem?
A. The success of the MedEngage Scholarship Program is measured by several key metrics, including the number of scholarships and research grants awarded, the diversity of recipients (with a focus on gender, socio-economic background, and geographical location), and the ongoing engagement of alumni. We also track the long-term achievements of beneficiaries, including their academic and professional progress in the medical field.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand the program by increasing the number of scholarships and grants, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds and underserved areas. Strengthening strategic partnerships with universities and healthcare organizations will broaden the program’s impact, while leveraging digital platforms will ensure wider access to mentorship and resources. We also aim to foster a strong alumni network, encouraging past recipients to actively contribute to the program’s growth. By scaling MedEngage, we aim to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals who will drive innovation and contribute to transforming India’s healthcare ecosystem.
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