Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

The Union Government has given its approval for the allocation of 62 more PG seats in six government-run medical colleges and hospitals for the academic session 2025-26, confirmed Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Odisha Chief Minister said that these new PG seats would add quality to medical training besides offering better specialty healthcare services to the people of Odisha.

"The State Government is committed to fully complying with the norms and standards laid down by the National Medical Commission for these institutes and will extend all necessary support to develop these institutes as premiere centers of medical excellence," said Majhi.

Distribution of New PG Seats

The state-wise distribution for the newly sanctioned seats was declared by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan via social media. The allocation is as under :

- 15 seats at VIMSAR, Burla

- 3 seats at SCB Medical College, Cuttack

-6 seats at PGIMER and Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar

- 20 seats at PRM Medical College, Baripada

- 8 seats at FM Medical College, Balasore 

- 10 seats at Bhima Bhoi Medical College, Bolangir 

Such expansion will go a long way in strengthening capacity at both institutions to train future health professionals. Assuring quality in health services, the Chief Minister said the State Government was committed to the standard set by the National Medical Commission, ensuring medical education and health service delivery in Odisha conform to the highest benchmarks. The increased PG seats would thus be a proactive step by the government toward responding to the increasing demand for trained doctors within the state. Infrastructure development at the education level will truly prepare the doctors to serve the community with excellence. 

The decision taken by the Centre reflects a greater initiative to improve medical education across India, because unmistakably this is a critical need in the healthcare sector for more trained specialists. This move will leave a lasting effect on the quality of healthcare provided to the people of Odisha. A Step to Improved Healthcare The new PG seats will shape the future of medical education in Odisha, which has been continuously struggling to manage the challenge of healthcare. Backed by the state government, the institutions are all set to emerge as frontrunners in medical training and healthcare delivery.

The first things that come to most people's minds in relation to medicine are doctors and nurses. Medicine today has grown big in its dimensions, and indeed this sphere needs much more than stethoscopes and surgeries. Behind every hospital, health campaign, app, or clinical breakthrough is a set of people working in professions that don't require MBBS or a nursing degree but are just as vital to the system.

With every shift in priority that characterizes public health, awareness of mental health grows. And with each growth in technology in medicine, so does the increase in the pool of competent professionals in a host of nonclinical fields. Whatever your background may be in science, technology, humanities, or management, there is a healthcare career best suited for you.

Here are eight rewarding careers in healthcare that don't involve becoming a doctor or a nurse but are in high demand and hold value.

• Public health specialist

The interests of professionals in public health are focused on the improvement of health at the population level, and they do not focus their attention on individual patients. They design and carry out various campaigns for raising awareness, analysis of disease trends, formulation of health policies, and management of the community's health. Their work, be it in the control of infectious diseases or in the promotion of nutrition and proper sanitation, involves large groups of people.

Most professions in public health come out of government agencies, global health organizations like the WHO, and NGOs. Life sciences, sociology, psychology, or statistics provide good grounding, although many professionals get a Master's in Public Health that specializes them in this field.

• Clinical research associate

CRA forms the very base on which any drug, vaccine, or treatment is developed. They support organization and execution in order to assure that research will be ethical and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Clinical Research Associate: CRAs develop trial protocols, manage data collection, and contact participants at all levels of a trial, so that any medical breakthrough will be brought to the market in full safety. This field is ideal for those professionals qualified in life sciences, pharmacy, biotechnology, or allied health. The job involves a mix of science and project management; thus, it opens up opportunities not only with pharmaceutical companies but also in hospitals and research institutions. 

• Medical and Health Writer:

 If one has a passion for science and likes to communicate, then medical writing might be just what he or she is looking for. Health writers can create everything from documentation of scientific research and regulatory papers to guides for patients, blog posts, and app content. Their role is basically to transform complicated medical terminology into clear, accessible language that will educate and inform. Many work with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals, while others create digital health platforms and media. This career path is associated with a science background, joined with great writing skills. People with training in journalism or communications are entering the field, together with some niche medical writing certifications. 

• Healthcare Administrator:

 Healthcare administration looks into the management of the business and operational sides of medical facilities. Administrators are responsible for making sure a hospital, clinic, or health network runs smoothly by organizing staff, budgeting, procurement, patient services, and compliance. This is a specialty for those who enjoy managing, leading, and thinking in systems. It is open for students coming from commerce, management, or hospital administration backgrounds. Most of them eventually do an MBA in healthcare or some kind of specialized diplomas. As a matter of fact, with private hospitals and health-tech platforms multiplying fast, the demand for skilled administrators keeps going up. 

• Counsellor or Mental Health Therapist: 

Mental health professionals help people overcome emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. As a matter of fact, with growing awareness of mental wellness, trained counsellors and therapists are sought after in schools, colleges, hospitals, and even in private practice. Their services mainly include conducting talk therapies, offering emotional support, and teaching coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety, trauma, depression, and grief. The typical paths leading to this profession include a bachelor's degree in Psychology followed by postgraduate qualifications in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, or Psychotherapy. It is a deeply personal, meaningful, and socially impactful career. 

• Health Informatics Specialist 

If you have interests in technology, data, and health, then Health Informatics is quite a relevant career. Health informaticians manage information and develop digital health systems, smooth the flow of information across hospitals and clinics. That would be anything from developing infrastructure for an electronic medical record system to the use of AI in support of clinical diagnosis or ensuring patient data privacy. With the movement of hospitals toward digital transformation, it is very important. It will be ideal for computer science, data analytics, or bioinformatics or IT background students; nowadays, special certifications in Health Informatics are available everywhere. 

• Allied Health Professional 

It also comprises the allied healthcare professionals who help with diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation: physiotherapists, radiology and laboratory technicians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and dieticians. They may work in a team with a doctor or a nurse but may have their independent fields. Their work is hands-on and often makes a real difference in recovery and long-term wellbeing. Entry requirements into these professions in most instances are a minimum of a diploma or a degree course in an allied health group such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, and nutrition sciences. 

• Health-tech and startup roles 

Healthcare innovation is having one of its finest moments, and startups are leading in building everything from teleconsultation platforms and fitness apps to artificial intelligence diagnostics and tools for mental health. These companies hire professionals in product management, UX design, digital marketing, operations, and community management. You don't need a medical degree, just a passion for solving health problems and building user-friendly solutions. Whether it is tech, design, media, or business, the health-tech space is full of dynamic, mission-driven roles that mix creativity with impact.

 The Bottom Line: 

A career in health doesn't have to mean clinical practice. Whether your passions are with policy, technology, therapy, communication or management, there is a pathway that best fits your skillset and passions. Global healthcare challenges have never been so complex and multi-faceted, and the need for a diverse, multi-disciplinary workforce has also never been greater. If ever you have wanted to work in health without seeing yourself as a doctor, this may be an especially good time to consider some of the many ways you can make a meaningful difference

Imagine a blood test that reads your mind. Now, imagine if it were possible to determine whether or not you have depression with just one blood test. Well, does that just sound like the plot of a science fiction novel? Because, in any case, that "futuristic" notion really is closer to reality than you might think. That's because, in April 2021, Indiana University School of Medicine researchers made headlines for their part in the new, innovative blood test for mental health conditions in individuals. The test tries to spot RNA biomarkers in the blood that will identify mood disorders, such as either depression or bipolar disorder. Fascinating, isn't it?

Now, let's delve deep into this revolutionary discovery and see how it may affect the future of mental health.

The Science of the Breakthrough

Novelty is based on the molecules that act like messengers of genetic information specified by RNA biomarkers in order to provide a view of the biological processes of the body. For many years, a search has been carried out for biological markers of mental health disorders to complement these subjective diagnosis methods now in existence, and this blood test is a huge leap in that direction.

A team from Indiana University found that the RNA biomarkers identify not just the presence of mood disorders but also:

This is important for measuring the severity of depression, showing how badly a person is suffering from a particular kind of mental health condition.

It is even indicative of future risks related to mental health, such as whether a person is going to develop serious depression or bipolar disorder later in life.

It also includes aiding the physician in designing a treatment pertinent to a particular patient's unique biological profile.

Why This Matters

Until very recently, the diagnosis in mental health has been based on self-report symptoms, questionnaires, and clinical observations. Many of these diagnostic techniques, while valid in many ways, lead to frustrating, trial-and-error attempts at finding a course of treatment that is effective. Cue the blood tests. This major scientific breakthrough can do the following: A biological test of this kind would give a more objective measure and hence help reduce stigma and guesswork associated with the disorder. It can speed up the treatment; the right kind of treatment taken in a shorter length of time can relieve patients from months and years spent trying and testing various forms of medicines and therapies. Sometimes an actual diagnosis helps one feel that their inner struggles are validated, and it may act as assurance for one in knowing what they go through is actually real and not all in your head. 

Expert View According to Dr. Mathhew Boland, a clinical psychologist and member of the Psych Central Medical Affairs Team, this is a very "promising step forward". But it's still early days, he warns us all. "The potential is exciting, but we need to further elucidate the biomarkers and refine the test for general use. Any practical application could take years." The promise of this test cannot be denied; it is one for diagnosing depression and also promises to be a game changer in how we address mental health together. Big Picture: Paradigm Shift in Mental Health Just imagine being able to go in and get a simple blood test and then walk out with a full-proof roadmap for your mental health problems. 

That is just what researchers have been working on. It may have the following effects: Improve the quality of mental health care all over the world-most especially where there is a shortage of mental health professionals. The stigma, in addition to having a mental health diagnosis, will fade away with the support of a biological test, and therefore, it will make more people seek professional help. Permit early interventions that could prevent severe mental health crises. Possible Challenges and Barriers As revolutionary as this may be, some challenges exist: The tests need to be validated for correctness and reliability. Affordability and Accessibility: The test must be affordable and accessible to all, again a tall order. Ethical concerns: Serious questions about privacy, data security, and misuse of biomarkers remain. The road ahead: cautious optimism While the blood test for mental health is a beacon of hope, it is equally important that expectations be kept real. 

Certainly, the field of psychiatry is complicated, and disorders of mental health are influenced by a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. A blood test won't supplant the traditional diagnostic methods overnight but can actually become one powerful tool in the mental health toolkit. What this means to you: More than a scientific breakthrough, this is a step toward a future wherein mental health care will be faster, kinder, and more effective. Whether you struggle with depression or are simply interested in the advances of mental health, this development offers hope to us all. Watch as researchers continue to refine this test. Who knows, the next time you go to see your doctor, a blood test may just tell you something about your mental health.

According to the order passed by NCAHP, the move has been taken in order to bring uniformity in the terminology and align it with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act.

The Centre has officially instructed that henceforth, all states, union territories and the corresponding educational institutions should not use "Paramedical" and use "Allied and Healthcare" in all official communications, policies, advertisements and academic references, News18 has learnt.

This move comes in line with the provisions of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which was enacted to standardize and regulate this wide-ranging group of health professionals under a unified framework. In fact, the order, dated July 1, has been issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Profession under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

While explaining the renaming, the circular accessed by News18 said, "The term 'Paramedical' has long been used to describe various healthcare-related professions providing support services in healthcare delivery. However, with the enactment of the NCAHP Act, 2021, the term 'Allied and Healthcare' has been formally adopted."

It is further advised to avoid the term 'Paramedical' and use the words 'Allied and Healthcare' instead in all the training programmes, recruitment notifications, advertisements, educational materials, and all forms of communication - verbal and written," the circular said.

The order issued to chief secretaries, principal secretaries and health secretaries of all states and union territories said the move has been taken to ensure uniformity in terminology and alignment with the Act.

It has also recommended that all state governments, UT administrations and institutions must comply with the immediate change in terminology at their training programmes, in recruitment notifications, in educational materials, advertisements and all forms of communications — both in words and in writing. "All state governments/UT administrations and institutions are, therefore, requested to comply with this change in nomenclature and also to circulate the same to all concerned authorities, institutions, and stakeholders under their jurisdiction," the order said. It marks, as the government official quoted above explains, a “significant administrative and educational shift, particularly for thousands of students enrolled in what have traditionally been referred to as paramedical courses, as well as for faculty, health institutions and public communication channels" who will now be known by a better-recognised, standardised nomenclature under the “Allied and Healthcare\" category. "This change aligns them with international terminology and may facilitate career mobility and academic parity."

Patna will be able to see a new era in healthcare, as Khan Sir, popular for his teaching and public service, enters the field of medicine. The new hospital plans to provide basic treatments at affordable prices, with emphasis on accessibility to all sections of society.

Khan Sir, originally known as Faizal Khan, is a renowned teacher from Patna, Bihar. He rose to fame teaching difficult topics very simplistically, particularly his online lectures. He has also assisted numerous disadvantaged students by providing free guidance and counsel. Now, he is utilizing his expertise and clout differently—making healthcare economical and available to all, particularly those who cannot afford it.

Operation theatre and dialysis available for operation

The hospital operation theatre and dialysis have been prepared and fully equipped. The Patna Press reports that Khan Sir himself supervised the facilities, checking surgical machines, patient wards, and the dialysis machines, and also issued instructions to staff members regarding right-now upgrades to the highest standards.

"Each citizen should have access to medical care. Here, it would be less expensive than that in government-run hospitals," Khan Sir went on, visiting, according to Patna Press.

Besides dialysis, the hospital will also have a blood bank and cancer treatment units, suggesting an enhancement of commitment towards complete, affordable care.

Operation theatre revamped for safety

Among the best things the project achieved is the new operation theater. News 18 reported that in the first draft there were glossy tiles, which Khan Sir realized later posed a threat to surgical hygiene. Quoting Patna Press, he stated: "When two tiles meet, their narrow crevice becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and fungus. Even a mustard seed can have thousands of them."

Owing to this, the tiles were substituted with medical-grade anti-infection mats. These marble-type mats are better for surgery and easier to clean, providing a sterile setup.

Dialysis centre fully operational

The dialysis unit has been done and operational, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and stringent infection control measures, says the Patna Press. Khan Sir himself experimented with equipment in the presence of medical professionals to be in patient-care-ready position.

Affordable treatment for all

Khan Sir's new hospital has a definite purpose– to make health affordable to all at an affordable price. He does not want anyone, even the most poor family, to go without proper health care due to expenses. The hospital will offer basic services such as dialysis, surgery, and check-ups at very low prices, so no one will have to miss out on treatment because they cannot afford it.

Affordable compared to government hospitals

Government hospitals are famous for low-cost treatment, but they're congested and patients have to wait for hours to receive assistance. Doctors are sometimes short or equipment is unavailable. Khan Sir wants to transform it. His new hospital will offer the same treatments– but quicker, cleaner, and even more affordable than government hospitals.

News reports that dialysis and minor procedures will be less expensive than what most government hospitals currently charge. Simple and straightforward billing will also be offered by the hospital, such that patients are well aware of what they are paying for. The aspiration is to have low costs and quality care all under one roof.

Reflected from real struggles

Khan Sir has always been a man of the masses– either guiding the students or helping poor families in need during the bad times. He himself witnessed how difficult it is for most people in Patna to receive good medical care. So, he decided to enter the healthcare profession– to provide a platform where the most deserving ones are catered to without hesitation or delay.

In a landmark decision affecting thousands of students, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed all Indian universities and colleges to discontinue healthcare and allied courses through distance learning and online modes from July 2025. The decision, cleared in UGC's 592nd meeting on July 23, 2025, was to preserve the quality and sanctity of medical and allied studies in India.

UGC officials have stated that medical courses require experiential learning, laboratory exposure, and patient exposure, which cannot be done in place of online learning. The controversy was initiated while an earlier April 2025 Distance Education Bureau Working Group meeting had complained about the poor standards of practice in online medical courses.

Based on education figures, more than 1.5 million students take allied health courses every year, embracing such subjects as physiotherapy, dietetics, and medical laboratory science. The experts agree that without exposure to the practical aspects, the graduates will not be best placed for employment in clinics.

All institutes operating these programs on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode are required to suspend new admissions from the July–August 2025 session. The online courses already in place shall be made invalid, effectively stopping new admissions. 

Enrolled students in intimated online courses could be permitted to finish their courses, although the universities will have to adhere strictly to UGC guidelines. Institutions have been directed by the Commission to intimate directly modifications to students and offer choices for offline or hybrid mode.

Despite the constraint of the ban on flexibility for working professionals and e-learners, officials of UGC suggest that learning on campus facilitates better employability. Industry data reveal that 85% of hospitals seek candidates who have clinical experience and classroom training.

The UGC decision is in tune with its quality-oriented, practical healthcare education. The emphasis now is on developing work-capable, competent professionals with intensive, experiential learning as India sets itself the task of developing 2.4 million more health workers by 2030.