| | 8 December 2020HIGHERReviewIN MY VIEWAllied and Healthcare Professionals (AHP) make a significant contribution to the healthcare delivery system. They provide range of preventive, technical, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative and curative services and help in effective functioning of the system. Allied Health Professionals are a distinct group of health professionals who apply their expertise to prevent disease transmission, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people of all ages and all specialties.The need to apply science and technology in Healthcare is paving way for new avenues in Health Sciences. In a hi-tech world of modern healthcare, the need for a team approach in sustaining life is essential and it takes people with varying skills and expertise to form that team. This revolution in the medical field gives students the opportunity to choose exactly which micro-area they would like to focus on like, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Medical Imaging Technology, and Optometry to name a few.For those who want to practice medicine but are not able do an MBBS, there is a growing alternative career option as a healthcare professional. In Allied and health care professional, one can opt for courses like Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Nutrition and Dietetics, exercise and sports science, Health Information Management, Cardiovascular Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Laboratory Technologist, Dialysis Technologist, depending on what you are interested in.When you study to be a healthcare professional, you are trained in every way possible to ensure you are fit for the clinical practice. In addition, the variety to choose from are almost endless.These courses teach specialisations in depth and ensure that you are well prepared. They give you a deep dive into your area of interests, teaching you all the finer details that someone who is doing other health stream. The job of a healthcare professional is to provide technical and support in terms of direct patient care, rehabilitation, treatment, diagnostics and health improvement interventions to restore and maintain, optimal physical, sensory, psychological, cognitive and social function.In a country like India where there is a large need for medical professionals, every aspect of medicine plays an important role. From an MBBS doctor to a certified midwife, everyone has a crucial role to play. With a constant rise in our population, our medical sector can HOW CAN STUDENTS BE MADE INNOVATIVE AND SKILLED AS ALLIED AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALSBy Dr. G Arun Maiya, Dean, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
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