At right, Punitha Ezhilarasu, senior consultant to the Indian Nursing Council and former dean of the College of Nursing Christian Medical College Vellore. The colorful statue in the middle is a traditionally designed brass lamp. Lighting a lamp during an inauguration is a symbolic ritual representing enlightenment, knowledge, and wisdom
 

The University of Houston (UH) has once again demonstrated its global influence, this time in the realm of nursing education. Through the visionary support of UH’s Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, two prestigious universities in India—MGM Institute of Health Sciences in Mumbai and Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences—have launched the country’s first-ever Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This groundbreaking collaboration not only advances India’s healthcare capabilities but also reflects the innovative spirit of Houston on an international stage.

 The inaugural class of DNP graduates at the Gessner College of Nursing, May 2024.

 

From Houston to Mumbai: A Vision Realized

The inception of this transformative program traces back to Durga D. Agrawal, a UH System Board of Regents member and president and CEO of Piping Technology & Products, Inc. During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017, Agrawal proposed the introduction of the DNP program to address critical healthcare challenges in India, particularly in underserved rural areas.

“We discussed ways the DNP program could assist in addressing India's healthcare needs,” Agrawal recalls. “By upskilling nurses with advanced clinical expertise, this program has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in regions where it’s needed most.”

 Prabha Dasila, dean of MGM College of Nursing with Beena Joseph, Shainy Varghese and Prabha Dasila, dean of MGM College of Nursing.

Laying the Groundwork

Under the leadership of Kathryn Tart, founding dean of the Gessner College of Nursing, and Dr. Shainy Varghese, a Fulbright specialist and global nurse consultant, the collaboration gained momentum. In 2017, Tart and Varghese traveled to India to initiate discussions with the Indian Nursing Council and the partner universities. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the team maintained progress through monthly virtual meetings, ensuring the program’s design met both local and global standards.

“Establishing this program required time, effort, and unwavering commitment,” said Tart. “The result—elevating nursing education and addressing leadership shortages—makes every challenge worth it.”

 At right, Punitha Ezhilarasu, senior consultant to the Indian Nursing Council and former dean of the College of Nursing Christian Medical College Vellore. The colorful statue in the middle is a traditionally designed brass lamp. Lighting a lamp during an inauguration is a symbolic ritual representing enlightenment, knowledge, and wisdom.

 

A Historic Launch

In October, the DNP program officially launched with inaugural ceremonies attended by Dr. Varghese and Dr. Beena Joseph, UH’s clinical assistant professor of nursing and coordinator of clinical learning. The moment marked a new era for nursing education in India.

“The program holds immense potential to revolutionize nursing education and critical care practice in India,” said Varghese. “We’re proud to be part of such a significant milestone.”

 Beena Joseph, clinical assistant professor presenting at Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Health Sciences.

Transforming Healthcare in Two Nations

The DNP degree, which prepares family nurse practitioners and nurse executives, is designed to address the global shortage of primary care providers, nursing educators, and leaders in the complex healthcare environment. In Texas alone, approximately 3,000 DNP professionals practice, with another 5,000 currently enrolled in programs statewide. This success story now extends to India, offering similar hope for improved healthcare outcomes.

Agrawal emphasizes the program’s impact: “Given the limited number of physicians and healthcare professionals, this program is already making a significant difference in Texas. Its introduction in India sets a new benchmark for nursing education globally.”

  Kathryn Tart, Gessner College founding dean, professor and Humana Endowed Dean's Chair in Nursing and Shainy Varghese, professor of nursing, Fulbright specialist and global nurse consultant, traveled to India to lay the groundwork for the DNP program with the Indian Nursing Council.

University of Houston: A Catalyst for Change

The University of Houston’s commitment to innovation and collaboration underscores its status as a Tier One public research university. Located in one of the most diverse regions in the nation, UH serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering initiatives like the DNP program that create lasting global impact.

As the first class of DNP professionals graduated from UH in May 2024, the program’s ripple effect continues to expand—from Houston to Mumbai and beyond. This initiative exemplifies how visionary leadership, collaborative efforts, and a shared commitment to excellence can reshape the future of healthcare education worldwide.

For more info, visit UH.edu