Public Health Squad ( PHS )
The Public Health Squad comprises a dynamic team of young professionals, dedicated to protecting and improving the health of our communities. Under the auspices of the Nutrition Council of India, our mission is to safeguard population health by promoting prevention-focused lifestyles, strengthening health literacy, and supporting equitable access to essential health services
What is Public Health Squad ?
​
The Public Health Squad (PHS) an initiative of The Nutrition Council of India (NCI), a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen community-level health systems. This squad will function as a dedicated network of trained volunteers, students, and professionals working together to raise public health awareness, facilitate preventive healthcare, and actively support the implementation of national and state-level health programs. Through the PHS, NCI aims to bridge the gap between government health services and communities, ensuring timely health interventions, data-driven insights, and sustainable community engagement." This initiative reflects NCI’s vision of fostering sustainable, data-driven, and community-centric approaches to improving public health outcomes nationwide.
What we do?
A digital national Public Health Squad network will enable registration, activity tracking, geo-tagged surveys, and real-time dashboards, supported by an annual national impact report. A standardized 30-hour training curriculum, coupled with an annual National Public Health Summit, will build capacity, showcase innovations, and facilitate policy-level dialogue. This nationwide platform will directly contribute to SDG 2, 3, 6, and 17, positioning PHS as a recognized youth-driven public health force under national health initiatives.
By fostering participation, education, and collaboration, the Public Health Squad represents a new model of proactive public health leadership - one that believes that true health begins in the community.
Our Vision
To build a healthier, cleaner, and socially responsible India by empowering communities with knowledge, preventive practices, and active participation-ensuring that every citizen contributes to a safe, disease-free, and health-promoting environment.
Our Mission
The mission of the public health squad is to develop a community-based volunteer workforce to strengthen India’s public health ecosystem by mobilizing communities, supporting frontline workers, and enhancing early detection of health risks.Under the framework of Nutrition Council of India the Public Health Squad acts as a catalyst to inspire a people-powered public health revolution.
need
​​​
The persistent gap between “knowing” and “doing” is what continues to burden India of preventable diseases. India has a shortage of 3 million frontline These challenges are exacerbated by an estimated shortfall of approximately 3 million frontline workers required to effectively deliver preventive and promotive health services. Therefore, India needs a solution that goes beyond awareness campaigns—a continuous, community-rooted system that shapes behavior, monitors practices, supports households, builds accountability, and mobilizes youth as local health champions.
PHS Benefits
When you join the Public Health Squad, you don’t just serve the community - you transform it.
1. Field‑Based Public Health Training: Hands‑on experience in community surveys and screenings.
2. Leadership & Communication Skills: Improves confidence, counselling skills, and teamwork.
3. Certification & Official ID Card: Formal recognition for public health service.
4. Data Management & Research Skills: Training in data collection, reporting, and basic research.
5. Health Camp Experience: Practical exposure to organizing and handling public health events.
6. Connection with National Health Programs: Work aligned with NHM, Poshan Abhiyaan, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc.
7. Internship & Community Placement Opportunities: Support for placements with PHCs, NGOs, and district health offices.
8. Soft Skills Development: Enhances communication, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism.
9. Networking & Career Support: Access to experts, opportunities, and career guidance.
10. Confidence & Personality Building: Enhances leadership and service mindset.
11.Free/discounted registration for NCI events, conferences, and trainings
The Squad thus creates a ripple effect - where one trained member inspires ten others to act, gradually leading to healthier, more informed, and more resilient communities.