Chennai, March 14, 2024: Metropolis Foundation, the CSR arm of diagnostic chain Metropolis Healthcare Limited, has awarded scholarships and research grants totalling Rs 1.7 crore to 301 medical students.
The scholarships and research grants were presented to the students at the 6th edition of the MedEngage Annual Summit 2024 held in Chennai on Wednesday. MedEngage Scholarships were presented to undergraduate and postgraduate medical students across all years of MBBS education, including the postgraduate training years of MD/MS/DNB, alongside the intervening internship year. The scholarships acknowledge outstanding achievements in academic scores, extra-curricular activities, and research papers/thesis presentations.
Of the 301 medical students, 29 were presented with research grants.
A key highlight is that 60% of the scholarship recipients are women. Furthermore, in line with the initiative to support government efforts in uplifting aspirational districts, around 60 students were selected from such districts, reflecting the programme's dedication to societal development and equitable access to opportunities.
As the flagship CSR initiative of Metropolis, MedEngage serves as a holistic medical outreach programme that nurtures young medical talent in India. Envisioned by Metropolis Chairman, Dr Sushil Shah, MedEngage is designed to offer comprehensive guidance, support, and direction to emerging healthcare professionals in India.
Commenting on the programme, Surendran Chemmenkottil, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said: “In India, while the demand for healthcare professionals is high, financial constraints and skill gaps hinder many aspiring medical students. Metropolis Foundation’s MEDENGAGE aims to bridge this gap by providing financial support and opportunities. Our commitment to education and diversity aims to address workforce shortages and create a more inclusive future. By nurturing innovation, we empower the next generation to drive advancements in patient care, improving community health outcomes”.
Dr Duru Shah, Chairperson, Metropolis Foundation, said: “The MedEngage Scholarship programme is empowering future healthcare experts and nurturing a healthier, more resilient society for generations to come. It is incredibly gratifying to witness the overwhelming response from young medical students nationwide, with a remarkable 6,019 applications received this year from both government and private medical colleges spanning 603 cities across 29 states. Through this initiative, we are not only enhancing the educational landscape but also providing invaluable support to promising students as they pursue breakthroughs in healthcare research and innovation."
Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific Officer and Group Head of CSR, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “MedEngage embodies our mission at Metropolis: to guide, support, and inspire the future of healthcare. It is the result of our Chairman’s vision and our dedicated CSR efforts. It serves as a beacon of hope for hardworking medical students, reflecting our commitment to addressing their unique needs. By gathering data through surveys and interviews, we tailor our support accordingly. Through digital platforms, we are expanding our reach across the country, aiming to strengthen and inclusively improve healthcare in India.”
Key government officials from Tamil Nadu, including Kumar Jayant, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Labour Welfare, and Skill Development Department, P Shanmugapriya, MD, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Nodal Officer (e-Governance) at Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, graced the event as key dignitaries.
