With support from the University of Houston’s Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, two universities in India — MGM Institute of Health Sciences in Mumbai and Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences — have introduced the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, expanding advanced nursing education in the country. It is the first time any university in India has offered the degree.
The idea to launch the degree program in India came across the globe from UH Board of Regents member Durga D. Agrawal, president and CEO of Piping Technology & Products, Inc. In addition to bringing the DNP program to UH, Agrawal and his wife Sushila had the opportunity, in February 2017, to meet with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his office in Delhi and convinced him of its ability to improve healthcare worldwide.
“We discussed ways the DNP program, could assist in addressing India’s healthcare needs, particularly in rural areas,” Agrawal said. “I highlighted how bringing a program like the DNP from Texas could help upskill nurses in India, providing them with the clinical expertise required to address the health challenges faced in underserved regions.”
The Agrawals are long-time supporter of the Cullen College of Engineering, and a building on campus bears their name because of their multiple generous gifts. Durga earned his master's degree and Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from UH.
For more information on the establishment of the doctor nursing practice degrees in India, and the Agrawals' role in that, click here!