The Growing Importance of Paramedical Courses in the Healthcare Industry - IPH

1. The Growing Importance of Paramedical Courses in the Healthcare Industry
Millions of hospitals in India provide sophisticated healthcare services to patients, each day.
From surgeries to treatment and providing health support, a large number of people get treated by
medical professionals.
On the other hand, there are medical support staff and paramedics who help in the treatment
and recovery procedure of patients. Paramedical courses are referred to as those courses which
enable qualified medical students to assist doctors in the treatment and recovery of ailing
patients. These professionals are integral to the healthcare industry in India and across the world.
Over the years, we have understood the importance of health and medical practitioners and doctors in
treating patients. Let us know how their role has contributed to the healthcare sector.
What are paramedical courses
Professionals who acquire the required qualification in the field of science are eligible to be
paramedics. Paramedic is a medical professional who helps doctors and surgeons during the treatment
and recovery of patients.
The paramedic workforce includes the following medical professionals -
●Nursing care
●Dentist
●Radiologist
●MRI technicians
●CT Scan technicians
●OT assistants
●Dialysis technician
●Medical lab assistant
Types of paramedical courses
Paramedics professionals are required all over the world and their services are highly deemed
necessary to run the healthcare sector. For years, nurses and supporting medical staff such as
technicians, imaging, and OT professionals have enabled medicare for patients, especially in
the recovery process to help doctors examine the medical records.
There are various types of paramedical courses available for professionals to join.
1.Undergraduate course with a duration of 1.5-4 years
2.Diploma course with a duration of 1-2 years
3.Certificate course with a duration of 1-2 years
4.Postgraduate course with a duration of 2 years
5.Doctoral course with a duration of 3-4 years
The medical streams where paramedics must fill the gap are medical imaging
technology, dermatology, clinical research, operations theatre, optometry, orthopedics, and more. In
India, there are other streams of courses popular as well like ayurvedic nursing, and rural healthcare.

2. In addition to post-graduation courses, masters level paramedical courses are also available that range
from 2-3 years of duration. And, all the courses whether they are categorized as diplomas or masters
would require the entrants to have a minimum passing percentage with entrance examination
clearance.
Why paramedics are needed
The healthcare sector in India is vast and is predicted to reach 372 bn by 2022, this year. The basic
lifestyle in the country has paved the way for introducing some path-breaking healthcare methods to
treat patients. Rising incomes and health awareness has made people aware like never before.
Additionally, the healthcare expenditure by the public has continuously grown from 1.8% of GDP to
2.1% of GDP, meanwhile, it remains one of the highest job creation sectors of the economy.
The government expenditure in India has also increased with the launch of new state-sponsored
programs to push the sector further.
Well-trained medical staff thus is in huge demand in the country. Simultaneously, to cater to
an increasing population, sophisticated health services have become the need of the hour. The
healthcare ecosystem also consists of various players starting from doctors, nurses, medical staff, and
patients. Paramedic staff constitutes a large chunk of this and provides support to the upper layer
consisting of doctors, surgeons, and specialists.
The role of the paramedic has become core to the functioning of the overall health domain. Assisting
doctors and specialists during surgeries, and coordinating between doctors and patients until
the recovery of patients, a paramedic professional joins the much-required dots and helps the
patients. Their roles broaden the medical sector's growth and penetration further with the means of
providing services that help millions become a beneficiary of healthcare services.
Aside from the educational qualifications, in other skills paramedic is required to be aware of
the latest healthcare equipment. With a strong focus on soft skills such as the ability to
communicate, empathy, stamina, staying calm under pressure, and physical fitness.
Conclusion
According to studies, the healthcare system in India has evolved with the quick acceptance of various
treatments based on the latest techniques. Professionals have access to updated models of
medical research to build skills and serve in the ecosystem with millions of other professionals.
Evolving from basic approaches to surgeries, today, the sector has advanced with the oncoming of
equipment and the usage of technology to save patient’s life and serve a large number of people. In
this, the role of paramedic staff has also transitioned, and technical capabilities have come to the fore.
By gaining knowledge through professional qualification, the scope of improving paramedic roles has
grown further. Professionals in India and around the world desire to be paramedics and join
the healthcare facilities that are mushrooming for patients and can now easily acquire the
required education and skills.
Undoubtedly, in the near future, the health sector will be coming up with cutting-edge services that
continue to shape the well-being of people.