Diploma in Community Health and Digital Healthcare Operations (DCHDHO)

Certifying and Empowering India’s Frontline Health Workforce
Training aligned with GDA certification under NSDC (HSSC).

Empower your community health workforce Strengthen your program outcomes. Build community trust.

Become a Partner Download Program Brochure

Why Invest in Community Health Workforce Certification?

The Need for Skilled CHWs in NGO & Private Programs

NGOs, CSR bodies, and private health organizations depend heavily on CHWs for field outreach and community support.

Across India, NGOs, CSR foundations, and private healthcare organizations rely extensively on community health workers (CHWs) for screening, awareness programs, behavioral change communication, and home-based care. CHWs often act as the first point of contact in rural and peri-urban communities, playing a crucial role in connecting families with essential healthcare services.

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The Workforce Gap DCHDHO Solves

The workforce gap DCHDHO solves stems from the fact that many CHWs lack standardized scientific

Many Community Health Workers (CHWs) continue to operate without standardized, scientific training, recognized certification, digital health literacy, or structured career growth pathways. These gaps directly affect program quality, reduce donor confidence, and limit the overall impact on community health outcomes.

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Evidence-Based Training for Community Impact

The workforce gap DCHDHO solves stems from the fact that many CHWs lack standardized scientific

Research shows that structured certification improves CHW confidence, ensures more accurate service delivery, increases field efficiency, and supports better workforce retention. This evidence base demonstrates the value of competency-driven training in improving frontline health delivery (Dasgupta et al., 2022; WHO, 2018)

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What Makes DCHDHO Different

A Globally Benchmarked Certification, Tailored for India

01

Inspired by Alaska CHAP & Ethiopia HEP

Alaska's CHAP and Ethiopia's HEP proved that trained and certified community workers can significantly improve health outcomes.

DCHDHO adopts their best practices:

  • Competency-based training
  • Continuous mentorship
  • Recognition and career legitimacy
02

Backed by Scientific Evidence

Global research shows structured CHW training can reduce service errors by 30–40% and improve community health coverage by 25%.

(Assefa et al., 2019; WHO, 2018)


03

Designed for Organizational Scalability

A blended model ensures efficient delivery at scale across districts, states, and partner organizations.

Scalable systems enable uniform implementation, monitoring, and impact across large geographies.



04

Alignment with NSDC


The DCHDHO program is structured in alignment with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) standards and HSSC competency frameworks.

This ensures national recognition, standardized training, and workforce mobility.

Program at a Glance

Program Details

  • Duration: 11 months
  • Mode: Blended (Online LMS + In-Person Practical + Mentorship)
  • Certification: Diploma awarded by IIHMR Bangalore
  • Language Options: English + Local language-enabled learning

Eligibility: Who Can Join

This program is not for individual applicants.

It is specifically designed for:

  • NGOs employing community health workers
  • CSR foundations implementing health initiatives
  • Healthcare enterprises deploying field workers
  • Community-based organizations training local health advocates

Integrated Learning Domains

🏥

Community Health & Wellness

Foundations of hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and environmental health.

💉

Primary Care & Diagnostics

Basic nursing procedures, vital signs, screening, phlebotomy, and triaging.

💻

Digital Health & Information Systems

Use of EHRs, mobile apps, teleconsultation support, and digital reporting.

💬

Communication & Behavioural Engagement

Patient interviewing, counselling, rapport building, and health education.

👥

Leadership & Community Mobilization

Teamwork, stakeholder coordination, conflict resolution, and campaign planning.

What CHWs Will Be Able to Do After Certification

Clinical Skills

  • Measure vital signs
  • Conduct basic first aid
  • Perform screenings
  • Assist in phlebotomy and sample collection

Digital & Data Skills

  • Enter data into digital systems
  • Use mobile health applications
  • Support telehealth workflows
  • Record and report health indicators

Communication & Counselling

  • Take accurate patient history
  • Provide health advice
  • Guide behaviour change
  • Educate families and communities

Leadership & Community Engagement

  • Coordinate with local stakeholders
  • Lead community campaigns
  • Maintain team communication
  • Resolve field-level conflicts

Monitoring & Reporting Skills

  • Use dashboards
  • Track health indicators
  • Document field performance
  • Report outcomes to supervisors

How the Program Works for Partner Organizations

1

Nomination

Partner organizations nominate CHWs or field workers.

2

Foundation Learning (LMS)

Learners access structured modules (local language-enabled) via the IIHMR LMS app.

3

Hands-On Field Practical

Practical sessions take place in the community under supervision.

4

Continuous Mentorship

Field mentors validate competencies and provide individualized support.

5

Assessment & Certification

Once competencies are demonstrated, CHWs receive an IIHMR Bangalore Diploma.

Customized Implementation for NGO/CSR Programs

Modules can be tailored based on organizational focus areas:

Maternal & child health NCDs Digital health Community screening Preventive health

Organizations may co-brand certificates with IIHMR Bangalore (optional).

Benefits Across the Ecosystem

Value delivered to organisations and communities

Organizations benefit from reduced supervision time, higher CHW productivity, better service consistency, and standardized documentation and reporting as key operational advantages. Quality and standardization are enhanced through structured training programs that reduce errors by 30–40% (Dasgupta et al., 2022). Accountability and legitimacy are strengthened because certified CHWs increase stakeholder trust and donor confidence (WHO, 2018). Workforce retention and motivation improve as recognized certification reduces attrition by up to 20% (Singh et al., 2020). Additionally, CSR impact and visibility are increased, as partners receive compliance-ready reporting, outcome documentation, and visibility in impact reports and CSR disclosures.

Improved Health Literacy is achieved as trained CHWs educate families on prevention, nutrition, and early detection, leading to increased awareness of NCD risk and lifestyle changes. Better Health Outcomes result from evidence-based screening and referrals, along with higher maternal–child health coverage and timely interventions (Perry et al., 2020). Increased Trust in Local Health Systems is built as certified CHWs act as credible first points of contact and create stronger linkages between households and facilities. Continuity of Care is ensured through consistent follow-ups and referral tracking, with support provided across the complete care continuum from prevention to management to adherence.

Board of Studies Members

Eminent leaders guiding the academic excellence of DCHDHO

Dr S D Gupta

Dr. S. D. Gupta

Chairman

President, Indian Institute of Health Management Research

Board Member

Dr Nachiket Mor

Member

Visiting Scientist, The Banyan Academy ofLeadership in Mental Health

Board Member

Dr . Dipika Bumb

Member

Key Training Expert, Meghalaya HealthSystems Strengthening Project

Board Member

Dr. Abhinav Guleria

Member

Program Manager, American IndiaFoundation

Our parternship Ecosystem

The DCHDHO program is strengthened by expert partners who support curriculum development, training quality, and on-ground implementation.

Training Partners

These organizations co-develop modules and contribute domain expertise.

Pilot Implementation Partner

Organizations where DCHDHO is deployed and field-tested.

More partners coming soon.

Patient Voices: Better Care Through Trained CHWs

Real stories highlighting how trained Community Health Workers improve access, quality, and outcomes in patient care.

What Our Partners Say

“The program was exceptionally well organised, and the participants remained actively involved throughout. The structure was thoughtfully designed, creating ample opportunities for case-based discussions and interactive sessions. I especially valued the strong emphasis on patient-centricity and integration of patient voices — an approach that truly equips frontline workers.”

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Heart Health India Foundation

RedVersityOur team conducted 2 modules of training for the community health workers and the trainers, and the participants showed remarkable enthusiasm and engagement throughout the sessions. The organizing committee ensured smooth coordination, with all arrangements provided exactly as requested. A pre-training meeting between their trainers and our faculty helped align expectations and establish a clear structure. Overall, the program was well organized, and the collaboration greatly supported the effectiveness of the training.

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RedVersity

“The Diploma Program is extremely helpful for health workers. It builds their capabilities and acknowledges their important role in strengthening rural healthcare. The trainers from Redversity are exceptionally good, providing practical and hands-on learning that enhances the experience.”

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Dvara Health Finance

What Our Participants Say

“Through this DCHDHO course, I learned new medical skills — giving injections, taking blood samples, providing first aid, and responding in emergencies. The training strengthened my communication with patients and boosted my confidence. It motivated us to grow further. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”

“The Diploma Program is extremely helpful for health workers. It builds their capabilities and acknowledges their important role in strengthening rural healthcare. The trainers from Redversity are exceptionally good, providing practical and hands-on learning that enhances the experience.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Any NGO, CSR foundation, private health provider, or community-based organization that have active community health workers can nominate

Yes. Currently program is available in English, Marathi, and Kannada. Program can be supported in other local languages to ensure accessibility and better learning outcomes.

Yes. On successful completion of training modules and assessments participants receive a Diploma certificate from IIHMR Bangalore

Yes. Each learning domain can be certified independently, allowing partners to upskill CHWs through stackable, module-based credentials in addition to the full Diploma

Yes — content can be aligned with your organization’s health priorities such as NCD care, maternal health, digital health tools, or screening campaigns

Yes. The program includes in-person practical training sessions, field assignments, phlebotomy and other skill-based training sessions, and competency evaluations to validate real-world skills

Get in Touch

Location Icon

Institute of Health Management Research, Near Thimma Reddy Layout, Hulimangala Post, Electronic City Phase-I, Bangalore – 560105

Contact Us

Toll Free: 1800-572-2728

Landline: 0806-113-3800

info@iihmrbangalore.edu.in