Kanpur, 05th April: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and its eminent alumnus Rakesh Gangwal (co-founder of Indigo Airlines) have entered into an agreement to work together to set up a School of Medical Sciences and Technology at the IIT Kanpur campus.
Gangwal signed an agreement with IIT Kanpur to support the ambitious project. Under this agreement, Gangwal will donate Rs 100 crore to support the establishment of the school.
The school has been conceptualized in line with IIT Kanpur’s endeavour to bring about a paradigm shift in the country by combining medical research and technological innovations.
However, it is expected to build academic and research leadership in the clinical research and medtech domains. The IIT Kanpur will combine its technology and innovation skills with medical science to bring the institute into the league of global institutions. This will be achieved through a Center of Excellence (CoE) on Futuristic Medicine and a super specialty hospital.
The agreement was signed between Professor Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur and Rakesh Gangwal in the presence of representatives of both the sides and other invitees. The proposed school will be named ‘Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology’. Rakesh Gangwal will also be on the advisory board of the school.
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur said on this occasion that, we are extremely grateful for the generous contribution of Rakesh Gangwal. The proposed medical school will play a vital role in driving IIT Kanpur’s innovations in medical research and technology and propel India into the global league of institutions that are transforming medical science and technology to benefit mankind.
On this occasion Rakesh Gangwal said, โIt is a privilege to be associated with my institute in such a noble endeavor. I am proud to see that the institution which has produced thousands of leaders in various fields is now leading the way in the healthcare sector. More than ever, healthcare is tied to technological advances and this school will drive innovation in healthcare.
He told that the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology will be completed in two phases. The first phase of the project will involve setting up of a 500-bed super-specialty hospital, academic block, residential hostel and service block with a total built up area of โโabout 8,10,000 sq ft.
The first phase will also include setting up of a Center of Excellence (CoE) to take forward R&D activities in Futuristic Medicine. This phase is likely to be completed in the next 3-5 years. The second phase of the project will increase hospital capacity to 1000 beds, expand clinical departments/centres, research areas, paramedical disciplines, alternative medicine, hospital management, sports medicine and public health programs. The second phase is planned to be completed over a period of 7-10 years.
