Rising Importance of Allied Health Professionals in India

To understand why allied healthcare is emerging as one of India’s most future-ready career pathways, Edinbox team spoke with Dr. Prithvi Amonkar, who explains how rising disease burdens, an ageing population, and global healthcare demand have placed Allied Healthcare Programs (AHPs) at the centre of India’s healthcare transformation.

Healthcare in India is continuously on the rise, with constant innovations and upgradation, with an attempt to provide effective ,affordable and quality treatment and for this to be a success the role of AHP : allied health professionals is crucial. "The AHP varies from radiographers, blood lab technicians,nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, speech therapists and many more vast branches that contribute directly or indirectly to the success of medical science. Not everyone can be doctors , and society does require as much of AHP for smooth and effective functioning who ultimately serve as the backbone," said Dr. Amonkar

There is a growing demand for AHP now with major strides in the medical field, and growing number of doctors. The population of india is also on the rise and also the ratio of the elderly that would require more intense healthcare. Also new illnesses, chronic disease , epidemics have brought an increased demand for AHP. Not everywhere are doctors required to deal with the patients, most of them can be taken care of by the health professionals. AHP play an important role in diagnosis by conducting medical lab and diagnostic tests and radiodiagnosis. They are instrumental in patient care assistance, medication management and later palliative care. Also faculties like physiotherapists, speech therapists help in providing support to patients with injuries or disabilities either congenital or due to accident . 

Dr. Amonkar who was  recognised as one of the 30 brands of Goa 2022 said, "In cases where AHP are involved the recovery of the patient is swift with a better quality of life. AHP helps in the progress and in the prevention of future complications that may arise . And in the interiors of our country they help in providing support.Allied healthcare offers various careers which are at par with Mbbs in which there are never ending opportunities."

"A healthcare professional can opt for a job in a multispeciality hospital, make his own startup , collaborate with doctors and other health professionals, online consultations, develop franchisees, the list is endless. Most of the jobs are more paying and less responsibilities ,compared to the stress undergone by doctors.  Opportunities are not limited to your state , or country but there is a global demand for health care professionals with proper certifications , experience," he added.