Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health “Honorio Delgado – Hideyo Noguchi” have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and preventing violence in schools across Peru.

The collaboration was unveiled during Mental Health Week and ahead of the International Day of the Girl, highlighting growing international focus on adolescent well-being, safe learning spaces, and inclusive education.

The initiative forms part of the “Campeonas sin Barreras” project implemented by UNESCO Peru in partnership with Fundación Fútbol Más Perú under UNESCO’s global Fit for Life programme. The project uses sport as a tool to encourage inclusion, equity, emotional well-being, and community participation among young people.

Officials said the partnership aligns with UNESCO’s broader health and well-being education strategy, which promotes mental and physical health, safer schools, and teacher training initiatives.

Copa de Campeonas to bring together students and families

The first major activity under the partnership will be the “Copa de Campeonas” event scheduled for October 25 in Prague-style community fair format, expected to bring together more than 300 participants including adolescents, teachers, families, and civil society organisations.

The socio-sporting event will feature football matches, cultural programmes, interactive learning stations, and activities focused on girls’ leadership and violence-free educational environments.

Mental health experts from the National Institute of Mental Health will manage dedicated well-being stations offering guidance on emotional resilience, self-care, prevention strategies, and socio-emotional development for students, educators, and parents.

Organisers said the stations are designed to demonstrate how sports and mental health interventions can work together to strengthen the overall well-being of educational communities.

Focus on girls as changemakers

The announcement also coincides with this year’s United Nations theme for the International Day of the Girl — “The girl I am, the change I lead. Girls on the frontlines of crisis.”

Officials said the partnership seeks to recognise adolescent girls not only as beneficiaries of educational programmes but also as active agents of social change and leadership.

Through the collaboration, UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring children and adolescents have access to safe educational spaces, equal opportunities, and healthier learning environments free from violence and discrimination.

The initiative reflects a wider global shift toward integrating mental health, emotional well-being, and community engagement into mainstream education policy frameworks, especially in regions facing social inequality, gender-based challenges, and youth mental health concerns.

Amid growing anxiety and frustration among NEET-UG aspirants following the controversy surrounding the examination, Dadaji Bhuse urged students to remain patient and trust the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak case.

Speaking in Mumbai on May 25, the Maharashtra School Education Minister described the incident as “most unfortunate” and assured students that the Central Government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“While it is undeniably the most unfortunate incident, the Central Government has intervened with the utmost seriousness. As we are aware, an inquiry into the matter is currently being conducted by the CBI,” Bhuse said.

He added that several individuals linked to the alleged irregularities had already been arrested and that the probe agency was carrying out a detailed investigation into the issue.

“Several individuals have already been incarcerated, and the CBI is conducting a thorough, in-depth investigation into the matter,” the minister stated.

Addressing lakhs of students preparing for medical admissions across the country, Bhuse made an emotional appeal asking aspirants not to lose hope amid uncertainty surrounding the examination process.

“I would like to make a humble appeal to all students: have faith that the arduous effort you have invested in your studies will ultimately receive the justice it deserves,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when concerns over transparency and fairness in national-level competitive examinations continue to dominate public discourse. The alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy has sparked protests and demands for accountability from students, parents, and education activists across several states.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been probing the matter after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the conduct of the examination. Authorities have maintained that action is being taken against those involved while efforts continue to safeguard the integrity of the examination system.

NEET-UG remains one of India’s largest entrance examinations, serving as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across government and private institutions.

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) has introduced seven new healthcare and allied medical science programmes for the 2026 academic session, expanding opportunities for students seeking careers in emerging healthcare sectors such as clinical psychology, trauma care, rehabilitation, epidemiology, and speech therapy.

The university has also opened the online admission process for these newly launched programmes. According to GGSIPU, interested candidates can apply through the university’s official admission portals, with the last date for submitting applications fixed as May 31, 2026.

The newly introduced courses include undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialised diploma programmes designed to address the growing demand for trained allied healthcare professionals across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, research organisations, and public health institutions.

New healthcare courses introduced by GGSIPU

The seven newly launched programmes are:

• BSc Clinical Psychology (Hons.)
• BSc Emergency Medical and Trauma Technology (EMTT)
• Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) / Master in Applied Epidemiology
• MA Clinical Psychology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (PGDRP)
• MSc Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
• Bachelor of Optometry

University officials said the programmes have been introduced in response to changing healthcare needs and the increasing importance of specialised non-traditional medical professions in India’s healthcare ecosystem.

The expansion comes at a time when sectors such as mental healthcare, emergency medical services, rehabilitation sciences, speech therapy, and epidemiological research are witnessing rapid growth following rising healthcare awareness and public health challenges.

Experts say the demand for allied healthcare professionals has increased significantly in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted shortages in areas such as trauma management, rehabilitation support, public health surveillance, and mental health services.

Courses such as clinical psychology and rehabilitation psychology are expected to attract students interested in mental healthcare and behavioural sciences, while programmes like EMTT and applied epidemiology may appeal to candidates looking to work in emergency response systems, disease surveillance, and healthcare administration.

Meanwhile, speech language pathology and optometry continue to emerge as important specialised healthcare fields with growing employment opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, schools, and diagnostic centres.

GGSIPU has fixed the application fee at ₹2,500 per programme. Students applying for multiple courses will be required to pay the application fee separately for each course.

The university has advised applicants to carefully review eligibility criteria, admission guidelines, and programme details before completing the online registration process.

Education experts believe the introduction of such specialised programmes reflects the broader transformation of India’s healthcare education system, where demand is increasingly shifting toward multidisciplinary and allied healthcare professions alongside conventional medical degrees.

As concerns grow over the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to the Antarctic cruise ship MV Hondius, United Kingdom authorities have reportedly secured emergency supplies of the experimental antiviral drug Favipiravir from Japan.

The drug may not be widely known to the public, but it gained global attention during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when several countries explored it as a possible treatment option against the coronavirus.

What Is Favipiravir?

Favipiravir was originally developed by Toyama Chemical, now part of Fujifilm, and marketed under the brand name Avigan.

The drug was approved in Japan in 2014 for emergency use against new and emerging influenza strains. Unlike antibiotics, which target bacteria, Favipiravir works by interfering with the RNA polymerase enzyme that many RNA viruses rely on to reproduce. Because of this mechanism, scientists classify it as a broad-spectrum antiviral.

Researchers have studied the drug against several RNA viruses over the years, including influenza viruses, Ebola, and hantaviruses.

Its COVID-19 Connection

During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries including India, Russia and Japan experimented with Favipiravir as a treatment for mild and moderate COVID-19 cases.

The medication attracted attention largely because it was available in pill form, making it easier to administer outside hospitals compared to intravenous antivirals.

Initial small-scale studies suggested it might shorten recovery time or reduce viral replication. However, larger reviews and later studies produced inconsistent findings, with no strong evidence that the drug significantly reduced deaths or prevented severe disease progression in COVID-19 patients.

Although it never became a breakthrough COVID treatment, the drug remained on the radar of governments and health agencies for emergency outbreak situations.

Why Is Britain Importing It Now?

The current concern centres around the Andes hantavirus infection, a rare strain of hantavirus known for its unusual ability to spread between humans under certain circumstances.

According to reports, the UK Health Security Agency moved quickly to secure supplies of Favipiravir after fears emerged that infected individuals linked to the Antarctic cruise outbreak could develop severe illness.

At present, there is no officially approved antiviral treatment for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe respiratory disease associated with certain hantavirus strains. The condition can become life-threatening rapidly, with mortality rates for Andes virus infections estimated at around 35–40 percent in serious cases.

Animal studies and limited human reports have hinted that Favipiravir may offer some benefit against hantaviruses, though evidence remains limited and inconclusive.

For now, treatment for severe hantavirus infection still relies mainly on supportive care, including oxygen therapy, intensive monitoring, fluids and respiratory support.

Risks And Precautions

Despite the renewed interest, Favipiravir is not without risks. Studies have linked the drug to birth defects in animals, meaning it is generally avoided during pregnancy. Doctors must also monitor patients for potential side effects such as liver complications, elevated uric acid levels linked to gout, and gastrointestinal issues.

The drug is reportedly being considered under compassionate-use or experimental protocols rather than as a fully approved treatment.

A Post-Pandemic Reality

The rapid movement of antiviral stockpiles between countries also reflects how outbreak response strategies have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments are now more willing to deploy experimental treatments quickly while health agencies coordinate internationally during emerging health threats.

Health authorities, including the World Health Organization, continue to stress that the broader public risk from the current hantavirus situation remains very low, and experts say the outbreak does not resemble the global conditions that fueled COVID-19 transmission.

Still, the return of Favipiravir to headlines serves as a reminder of how quickly old outbreak tools can re-emerge when new health threats appear unexpectedly.

United Doctors Front has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking sweeping reforms in India’s national examination system, including the replacement of the National Testing Agency with an independent statutory examination authority created through an Act of Parliament.

The petition comes amid growing scrutiny over repeated controversies involving major national entrance examinations, including allegations of paper leaks, technical failures, cybersecurity concerns, and lack of transparency.

Why the petition was filed

The plea argues that the NTA currently operates as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 despite conducting some of India’s most consequential examinations.

These include:

• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test
• Joint Entrance Examination
• Common University Entrance Test
• University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test

According to the petition, these examinations affect crores of students annually and therefore require stronger constitutional, parliamentary, and institutional oversight.

The matter was reportedly filed under Diary Number 30471/2026.

Key concerns raised against NTA

The petition cites multiple systemic concerns, including:

• Examination paper leaks
• Technical glitches during tests
• Alleged lack of transparency
• Weak accountability mechanisms
• Inadequate cybersecurity protections
• Limited institutional oversight

The plea argues that repeated controversies have damaged public trust in the fairness and integrity of India’s examination system.

The demand follows years of recurring concerns around high-stakes entrance exams, particularly after national outrage over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.

What reforms the petition seeks

The UDF has requested the Supreme Court to direct the Union government to establish a fully independent statutory national testing authority through parliamentary legislation.

The proposed reforms include:

• Direct parliamentary oversight
• Strong anti-paper leak safeguards
• Mandatory cybersecurity systems
• Comprehensive Comptroller and Auditor General of India audits
• Statutory grievance redressal mechanisms
• Legally enforceable transparency norms
• Clear accountability frameworks

The petition argues that examinations affecting over two crore students every year should not remain under what it describes as an “NGO-like” administrative structure functioning as a registered society.

Dr Lakshya Mittal’s remarks

Lakshya Mittal said the future of millions of students cannot depend on a loosely structured institutional framework lacking full constitutional accountability.

According to him, India now requires:

• A transparent examination authority
• Strong legal safeguards
• Merit-based selection systems
• Institutionally protected student rights

He argued that only a statutory authority backed by parliamentary law can ensure long-term credibility and public confidence.

Bigger debate over India’s exam system

The petition adds to a broader national debate about the governance of high-stakes examinations in India.

In recent years, controversies surrounding:

• Paper leaks
• Examination cancellations
• Result disputes
• Digital evaluation problems
• Cybersecurity failures

have intensified pressure on authorities to reform testing mechanisms.

Critics argue that India’s centralised competitive examination ecosystem has grown too large and consequential to operate without stronger legal accountability.

Supporters of structural reform believe a statutory authority could:

• Improve transparency
• Reduce political interference
• Strengthen technological safeguards
• Enhance institutional independence

However, any major restructuring would likely require significant legislative and administrative changes.

What happens next

The Supreme Court is expected to decide whether to admit the petition for hearing.

If the matter proceeds, it could reopen larger constitutional questions about:

• Regulation of national examinations
• Accountability of autonomous agencies
• Students’ rights in competitive testing
• State responsibility in merit-based selection systems

The case also reflects growing frustration among students, parents, and professional groups over the repeated instability surrounding India’s entrance examination framework.

With India facing a shortage of over 30 lakh healthcare professionals, skill-first careers in nursing, allied health and emergency care are emerging as powerful alternatives for students who miss out on MBBS seats.

For millions of students, not clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) can feel like the sudden collapse of a long-held dream of working in healthcare.

In 2025 alone, more than 20 lakh aspirants appeared for the examination, competing for a limited number of MBBS seats that pushed selection rates below 3%. For many students, the outcome creates a difficult choice — pursue expensive private medical education, spend another year preparing for the exam, or abandon healthcare altogether.

But India’s healthcare sector is now confronting a very different reality: the country urgently needs millions of trained healthcare professionals beyond doctors.

According to industry estimates, India is facing a shortage of over 30 lakh healthcare workers, with hospitals, diagnostic centres, emergency services, and care facilities struggling to fill critical operational roles.

This widening gap is reshaping how students and institutions view careers in healthcare.

Increasingly, students are turning toward skill-first healthcare careers that prioritise practical training, hospital exposure, faster employability, and financial independence — without depending entirely on an MBBS seat.

India’s Healthcare Crisis Is Bigger Than Just Doctor Shortages

Healthcare experts say the biggest pressure point in India’s medical ecosystem is no longer infrastructure alone, but the shortage of trained frontline professionals supporting hospitals and patient care systems.

From diagnostic labs and emergency response units to nursing services and critical care support, healthcare institutions are increasingly dependent on specialised non-doctor roles to manage growing patient demand.

This shift has created strong demand for industry-integrated healthcare courses that combine university education with real-world hospital training.

According to healthcare skilling platform Emversity, several healthcare careers are emerging as high-growth opportunities for students in 2026.

1. Allied Health Careers: The Hidden Backbone Of Hospitals

Allied healthcare professionals now make up nearly 60% of India’s healthcare workforce, yet the country still faces a shortage of more than 10 lakh workers across diagnostic and clinical support roles.

These careers include:

• Medical laboratory technology
• Radiology and imaging
• Surgical assistance
• Operation theatre technology
• Patient care support

Healthcare analysts estimate India requires nearly 25–30 lakh allied health workers to meet current and future demand.

Most allied health programmes are completed within three to four years and focus heavily on applied clinical training designed for faster workforce entry.

Entry-level salaries typically range between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh annually, with growing opportunities across private hospitals, diagnostic chains, and specialised healthcare centres.

Many industry-integrated programmes also offer hospital-based training alongside monthly stipends ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 14,000.

2. Nursing Careers Are Seeing Massive Demand

Nursing is once again emerging as one of India’s most stable and high-demand healthcare professions.

India’s nurse-to-population ratio remains below global standards, while expanding healthcare infrastructure continues increasing demand for trained nursing professionals across:

• Critical care
• Maternal health
• Emergency care
• Community healthcare
• Hospital administration

General nursing and specialised clinical programmes usually span three to four years and combine classroom learning with hospital-based clinical exposure.

Starting salaries generally range between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh annually, with opportunities for rapid growth through specialisation and international placements.

Healthcare institutions are also increasingly partnering with universities to create integrated training pathways where students gain real clinical exposure while continuing academic education.

3. Emergency & Critical Care Careers Are Becoming Essential

Emergency medical services are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments within India’s healthcare workforce.

With rising road accidents, cardiac emergencies, trauma cases, and disaster response needs, hospitals and ambulance networks are actively seeking trained emergency responders and critical care professionals.

India records over 1.5 lakh road fatalities annually, highlighting the growing need for:

• Paramedics
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Trauma response professionals
• Critical care assistants

Programmes in emergency and critical care generally focus on:

• Patient stabilisation
• Trauma response
• Ambulance support systems
• Emergency medical protocols

Graduates entering these roles can expect starting salaries between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh annually, along with strong long-term demand across hospitals, emergency networks, and critical care units.

Healthcare Careers Are No Longer Defined By One Exam

Education experts say one of the biggest changes happening in India’s healthcare sector is the growing acceptance of multiple career pathways beyond MBBS.

As hospitals expand and healthcare systems become more specialised, demand is rising for professionals trained in diagnostics, patient care, emergency services, and healthcare operations.

For students who do not secure a medical seat through NEET, this shift is creating more accessible opportunities that prioritise skills, employability, and practical experience over traditional academic hierarchies.

In many cases, these careers also offer faster entry into the workforce and earlier financial independence.

As India’s healthcare ecosystem continues growing, experts believe the future will increasingly depend not only on doctors, but also on the millions of skilled healthcare professionals supporting the system behind the scenes.