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Breaking Barriers with HealthTech: How Jay Chauhan is Empowering Rural Youth Through Digital Innovation

In India’s rapidly digitizing healthcare landscape, one name is quietly making waves by bridging the gap between opportunity and access — Jay Chauhan. A passionate HealthTech professional and mentor, Jay has been at the forefront of a transformative initiative that is changing lives in places where opportunity is often a distant dream.

Jay’s journey as a mentor took a pivotal turn with his involvement in the Digital Health Empowerment Initiative (DHEI) — a government-supported program organized by SAL Institute of Medical Sciences. Launched with the vision of introducing rural and low-income youth to the expanding world of digital healthcare, the initiative offered more than just theoretical knowledge. It offered a lifeline.

These weren’t ordinary students. They were first-generation learners from underserved backgrounds, selected for their resilience, curiosity, and desire to build a better future. Many had never considered that technology could be a career path, let alone one in healthcare. But under Jay Chauhan’s mentorship, they began to see themselves differently.

“He didn’t just talk about technology — he made it feel accessible,” said one of the mentees. “Jay sir helped us believe that we belong in this industry too.”

Jay’s sessions were practical, grounded, and empowering. He broke down complex topics like telemedicine, digital health records, and mobile health apps into digestible insights. More importantly, he showed these students where they fit in — introducing them to real career paths such as Health IT support, telemedicine coordination, health data management, and patient navigation roles.

The impact was tangible:

  • 85% of the mentees completed the program with strong foundational knowledge in HealthTech.
  • 60% secured internships or entry-level roles in healthcare startups or digital health organizations.
  • For many, this was the first real step toward financial independence and a career rooted in purpose.

What makes Jay’s contribution so remarkable is not just the technical mentorship — it’s the emotional intelligence he brought to the table. His ability to connect, to inspire, and to push students beyond their perceived limits created a ripple effect. For many mentees, this wasn’t just a training — it was a turning point.

Dr. Ratna Pathak, Senior Student Mentor at SAL Institute, who worked closely with Jay during the initiative, called his contribution “exceptional.”

“Jay’s empathetic yet firm mentoring style resonated deeply. He didn’t just teach digital healthcare — he made students believe they could be a part of shaping its future,” she said.

This is not the first time Jay has led with impact. Prior to DHEI, he served as lead mentor for the LIFE Program, an industry-backed initiative by GIT and GUJCOST that focused on emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. His role there earned him wide recognition and multiple invitations to continue as a strategic mentor.

Yet, Jay remains grounded. He sees himself not as a figurehead, but as a bridge — someone who connects potential to opportunity.

As India pushes forward in its digital healthcare mission, the need for inclusive, grassroots-level mentorship has never been more urgent. With mentors like Jay Chauhan, that mission is no longer a distant vision — it’s becoming a reality.

In the villages of Gujarat, in the homes of students who now speak the language of HealthTech, that reality is already unfolding.

**Written by

the Communications Team at SAL Institute of Medical Sciences**

Date – 8th January 2024