In the Indian healthcare industry, Gurugram-based healthcare edtech business Virohan is a shining example of innovation and social effect. Virohan, which was founded by Nalin Saluja, Kunaal Dudeja, and Archit Jayaswal, certifies and trains allied healthcare professionals (AHPs), filling a significant void in the healthcare sector. These individuals are the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry, contributing significantly to the provision of high-quality services, yet they are frequently disregarded in favor of more well-known positions like that of doctors and nurses.
In India, the demand for AHPs is enormous and is rising quickly. By 2024, estimates indicate that India may need over 70 lakh (7 million) AHPs, which is far more than the 1.5 lakh AHPs that the country can currently teach each year. The inventors of Virohan have identified an even more astounding demand: only a small portion of the 40 million AHPs that will be required by the end of the decade have received training and certification.
The origins of Virohan can be attributed to the wisdom and motivation offered by Kunaal Dudeja’s mother, renowned microbiologist and former dean of Jamia Hamdard Medical University Dr. Mridu Dudeja. The founders’ desire to develop a scalable solution to healthcare was sparked by Dr. Dudeja’s profound grasp of the industry and its shortcomings.
The idea of demand-driven education is the foundation of Virohan. Virohan’s method differs from typical education approaches in that it centers on the demands of the industry, in this case the healthcare sector, rather than the supply. By guaranteeing that students have the information and abilities needed to succeed in the workforce, this approach improves their employability and solves industry shortages.
Virohan’s training platform relies heavily on technology to provide standardized and scalable learning outcomes. Aspiring AHPs around India receive top-notch instruction from Virohan through a combination of in-person instruction at affiliated campuses and virtual modules. Since its founding in 2018, the firm has taught and certified over 3,000 AHPs, demonstrating the effectiveness of its creative strategy.
Healthcare professionals collaborated to establish the Virohan curriculum, guaranteeing that students would receive training that is applicable to the field. The programs cover life skills development, English language competency, practical internships in actual healthcare settings, and theoretical instruction. In addition to preparing students for their positions, this all-encompassing approach improves their employability and career prospects in general.
Partnering with already-existing schools and universities and using their infrastructure to conduct training programs is a crucial component of Virohan’s concept. This cooperative strategy increases Virohan’s reach and maximizes the use of resources, providing access to high-quality healthcare education in many areas.
An other tenet of Virohan’s aim is financial inclusion. The firm works with financial partners and provides flexible payment alternatives to make training programs affordable for students from a range of economic backgrounds. Due to this dedication to accessibility, educational opportunities are extended to students who might not otherwise be able to afford them.
Virohan’s influence reaches into the larger healthcare system in addition to specific students. Through the relationships the firm has established with over 650 hospitals and diagnostic centers, its trained AHPs are able to complete internships and finally find work. This network of collaborations helps to solve the staffing shortages in healthcare facilities in addition to facilitating experiential learning.
The student body at Virohan is diversified in terms of demographics, with a sizable fraction coming from households with poor to moderate incomes. This inclusivity highlights Virohan’s dedication to social justice and empowerment by providing marginalized populations with meaningful work opportunities.
In order to fulfill the increasing need for qualified AHPs, Virohan plans to expand its activities going forward by utilizing technology and forming strategic alliances. The startup’s remarkable success is a tribute to the revolutionary power of edtech in tackling urgent societal issues. It is driven by innovation, social impact, and industrial relevance.
The combination of social duty, education, and enterprise is embodied in Virohan’s journey. The startup provides essential skills and opportunities to individuals while also filling significant gaps in the healthcare sector by educating and certifying allied healthcare workers. With technology and teamwork at its core, Virohan’s all-encompassing approach serves as an excellent model for effective edtech solutions in India’s changing educational environment.
