🏫 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Shankar Prinja embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in medicine. He earned his MBBS degree in 2002 from Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. His academic excellence was evident early on, as he secured a Gold Medal for achieving first position in Barkatullah University during his Final Part-I MBBS. His passion for preventive and social medicine led him to pursue an MD in Community Medicine at Pt. BD Sharma Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India, which he completed in 2005. Further solidifying his expertise, he obtained the Diplomate National Board (DNB) certification in 2006 from the National Board of Examination, New Delhi, India.
Recognizing the importance of health policy and planning in public health, Dr. Prinja expanded his academic horizons internationally. He pursued an MSc in Health Policy, Planning, and Financing in 2009, a joint program between the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK. His performance in this rigorous program was exceptional, earning him a distinction from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Prinja’s professional career is marked by a deep commitment to health economics and public health. His journey began as a Senior Resident in Community Medicine at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, where he continued to grow and evolve in various capacities. He quickly progressed from Research Scientist-II (Medical) to Health Economist and then to Assistant Professor of Health Economics.
By 2011, Dr. Prinja was appointed Assistant Professor of Health Economics at PGIMER, and his career trajectory continued to rise. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014, Additional Professor in 2017, and eventually Professor of Health Economics in 2021. His role at PGIMER has been instrumental in shaping health policy and economics education in India. He has also served as the Coordinator of the State Training Resource Centre, contributing to the capacity-building of public health professionals.
Dr. Prinja’s expertise has been sought by various national and international organizations. He served as Executive Director at the National Health Authority, Government of India, from January 2022 to January 2023. He has also been a short-term consultant for the World Bank Group on multiple occasions, providing his expertise on health economics and policy.
🧠 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Prinja’s research interests lie at the intersection of health economics, policy planning, and financing. His work focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of cost-effectiveness in health interventions, which is crucial for policy formulation in countries like India.
He has been an active member of several technical groups and committees that influence health policy in India. Notably, he is a member of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and chairs the Vaccine Cost-effectiveness Analysis Sub-group, where his work has been critical in guiding India’s immunization policies. His involvement in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s various task forces, including those on COVID-19 research and the National Health Accounts, highlights his integral role in shaping India’s public health strategies.
Dr. Prinja’s work has had a global impact as well. He is a member of the Technical Group of the COVID-19 Multi-Model Comparison Collaboration (CMCC) of the WHO and World Bank. His research contributions extend to multilateral groups such as the Cost-Effectiveness Data Across Settings (CEDAS) working group of the WHO’s DECIDE Hub.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Prinja’s contributions to public health and health economics have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2021, he was awarded the Prof MK Seshadri award by the Indian Council of Medical Research, a testament to his impactful research. The same year, he received the Vijay Narain Award from the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Prinja was recognized with the Prof. BC Shrivastav Foundation Award by the Indian Council of Medical Research in 2018. His consistent high-quality research has earned him certificates of appreciation during PGIMER’s Annual Research Day in 2013, 2014, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Internationally, he was graded ‘A’ (Excellent) at the International Doctoral course in Health Economics and Policy on “Inequalities in Health and Health Care” by the Swiss Schools of Public Health + (SSPH+), Geneva, Switzerland in 2010.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Prinja’s work has had a profound impact on public health policy and health economics, not just in India but globally. His research has informed critical policy decisions, particularly in the context of immunization and healthcare financing. His role in various advisory boards, including the Tufts-CEVR Global Health Advisory Board and the Health Economics, Management and Policy Program at Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Australia, underscores his influence in the field.
His contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through his membership in the WHO and World Bank’s CMCC, were pivotal in guiding global health responses. His work on cost-effectiveness and health system strengthening continues to shape the discourse on sustainable healthcare in developing countries.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Shankar Prinja’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to improving public health through rigorous research and impactful policy work. His career has been a blend of academic excellence, professional dedication, and influential research that has left a lasting impact on health systems in India and beyond.
Looking ahead, Dr. Prinja is poised to continue his contributions to global health policy, with a focus on sustainable and equitable healthcare solutions. His ongoing research and involvement in international health economics will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of public health, ensuring that his influence endures for generations to come.