Background: An annual collaborative course on evidence-based child health was conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh from 2006 to 2008. This course was a result of collaboration between the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK. The effort was supported by David Baum International Foundation. The course design and faculty were from the Institute of Child Health, London and PGIMER, Chandigarh. The course content included critical appraisal of research papers addressing therapy, diagnostic questions as well as systematic reviews that would interest the local participants. Results: In total 86 individuals were trained; 78 as participants and eight as facilitators. There were 64 pediatricians, five general practitioners, two internists, four medical students and two information specialists. Others included a virologist, pharmacologist, anesthesiologist and radiologist. There was a significant increase in the critical appraisal skills of all the participants. A follow up survey of usage and contributions to The Cochrane Library revealed a 200% increase, suggesting that imparting training and education in a hands-on course can contribute significantly to development of an evidence-based approach in professionals as well as increase in use of resources such as The Cochrane Library.