As the news of Nursing Colleges in India to Introduce Digital Health Record Training is making the rounds, we have covered all the essential details in this article for you.
Nursing Colleges in India to Introduce Digital Health Record Training
To align nursing education with the evolving healthcare landscape, nursing colleges across India will soon introduce formal training in Digital Health Record (DHR) management as part of their curriculum. This step comes as part of the broader initiative under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and aims to prepare future nurses for a healthcare system increasingly driven by technology and data.
Starting from the 2025–26 academic session, the Indian Nursing Council (INC) has proposed the integration of DHR training in both B.Sc. and GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) programs.
What Will the Training Involve?
The digital health training module is being designed as a hands-on, practice-oriented component spread over the final year of nursing education.
It will cover:
- Basics of Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Managing patient data entry and updates
- Navigating hospital Health Management Information Systems (HMIS)
- Ensuring data privacy and security compliance
- Use of mobile apps and cloud-based tools in nursing workflows
- Coordinating with doctors and other staff using digital platforms
Additionally, students will undertake simulations and case-based exercises to build familiarity with hospital software systems used across India.
Why Is Digital Training Necessary for Nurses?
Nurses form the backbone of hospital systems, often being the first point of contact for patients and responsible for most of the documentation. Yet, most nurses in India still rely on manual data entry, leading to inefficiencies and errors.
Key reasons why DHR training is being prioritized include
- Enhancing clinical accuracy and real-time documentation
- Reducing paperwork and improving time management
- Preparing nurses to work in digital hospitals and smart ICUs
- Ensuring interoperability with national health records
- Empowering nurses to use tech tools for telemedicine and patient monitoring
With over 20,000 hospitals moving toward digital health records, skilled nursing staff with DHR proficiency will be in high demand.
Pilot Implementation and Collaborations
The pilot rollout will begin in 20 centrally funded nursing institutions, including colleges affiliated with:
- AIIMS campuses
- JIPMER (Puducherry)
- PGIMER (Chandigarh)
- Government Nursing Colleges in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu
These colleges will work in partnership with digital health firms and government platforms such as eSanjeevani, NDHM, and ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account).
Faculty members will also undergo training programs to update their technical know-how before teaching students.
Benefits for Healthcare and Career Opportunities
Nurses trained in digital health record systems will not only improve operational efficiency but also unlock new job opportunities in:
- Medical informatics
- Telemedicine coordination
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Hospital IT support
- Data-driven public health programs
International hospitals, especially in Gulf countries and Europe, now require basic EHR proficiency as a prerequisite—making this training beneficial for nurses seeking overseas employment as well.
Policy Support and Long-Term Vision
This reform aligns with India’s Digital Health Blueprint 2030, which envisions a fully interoperable health system powered by data, AI, and digital tools. The Ministry of Health has assured funding for necessary lab setups, demo software, and training support in both urban and rural institutions.
In the long run, the INC plans to standardize DHR training across all levels of nursing education, including ANM and post-basic diploma courses.
In conclusion, integrating Digital Health Record training in nursing colleges is a progressive step that ensures India’s nursing workforce remains competent, tech-ready, and future-focused in a rapidly digitalizing healthcare ecosystem.
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