In India, the allied healthcare sector is flourishing alongside the expanding healthcare industry, which is set to reach USD 372 billion by 2022.
This growth is driving a significant demand for allied health professionals, expected to reach 6 million by 2024. Nutritionists are pivotal in this landscape, particularly in providing essential care to pregnant women.
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The role of nutritionists is expanding due to increased emphasis on preventive healthcare and managing chronic conditions. Alongside professions like physiotherapists and medical laboratory technologists, nutritionists are witnessing a rise in demand. Physiotherapists are seeing annual growth of 7%, while the diagnostics market, crucial for medical laboratory technologists, is expanding at a robust 16-18% CAGR. Radiologic technologists benefit from an 8.7% annual growth in the diagnostic imaging market.
During pregnancy, proper nutrition is crucial for both maternal and fetal health. Nutritionists offer personalized dietary guidance tailored to meet heightened nutritional needs such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein. They play a vital role in managing conditions like gestational diabetes and anemia, as well as easing discomforts such as nausea and constipation through dietary adjustments. Ensuring optimal nutrient intake supports fetal development and helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
Nutritionists collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, developing dietary plans that complement medical treatments, aiding recovery in rehabilitation settings, and overseeing nutritional intake in hospitals.
The education sector has responded to this growing demand with a 40% increase in institutions offering specialized allied health programs in recent years. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana are further enhancing skills training, including in healthcare.
As telemedicine expands at a rapid rate, with a projected CAGR of 31% reaching USD 5.5 billion by 2025, nutritionists are poised to play an even more critical role. Their expertise ensures healthy pregnancies, reduces complications, and supports long-term maternal and child health. As India's healthcare sector continues to evolve, the role of nutritionists remains indispensable in providing comprehensive care, underscoring the integral link between nutrition and overall health and well-being.