The mission of PHFI is to establish public health institutes of excellence, assist the growth of existing public health training institutions, undertake meaningful public health research, advocate for public policy linked to broader public health goals and set a benchmark of quality standards for public health education.

Structured as an independent foundation, this initiative will adopt a broad, integrative approach to public health tailored to Indian conditions with relevance extending to countries facing similar challenges and concerns. The PHFI will focus on the broad dimensions of public health that encompass promotive, preventive and therapeutic services, many of which are frequently lost sight of in policy planning as well as in popular understanding.