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The spotlight this week was on the healthcare system in India with the launch of Ayushman Bharat scheme. The different verticals of the healthcare system in the country are going to witness accelerated growth and this is also going to open up huge opportunities for paramedical and allied staff. “Currently there is a huge demand-and-supply gap in this sector and hence proper training can open lucrative job avenues for youngsters”, says Dr Loveleen Kacker, CEO, Tech Mahindra Foundation. Tech Mahindra SMART Academy for Healthcare in Mohali, launched in November 2017, is a state-of-the-art institute training professionals in the field of allied healthcare.Conceived with the aim of SMART — Skills for Market Training, the academy stresses on creating employability as opposed to employment. The academy is currently offering eight courses, is training over 340 students. In an interaction she talks about the importance of vocational training in this sector. Excerpts:
What is the scope for vocational courses in the healthcare sector?
Healthcare is the fastest growing sector where there is huge demand here of trained professonals. Paramedical staff is the backbone of this system as they play a crucial role in saving lives. When it comes to job opportunities the ratio is of one doctor to four nurses to at least 20 paramedics. Thus, the base of this pyramid is very wide. It is this gap that we are plugging by offering job-oriented courses.
What are the basic qualifications required to enrol?
As medical field is a specialised one and requires the knowledge of complex terminology and familiarity with the line of treatment, it is preferable to have at least Class XII qualification. There are some courses like the billing and front office executive course where you need at least a graduation degree. But by and large these courses are in the vocational segment and students can enrol after Class XII.
Do you have some affiliation for these courses?
We are member of the health sector skill council certification is given by the government. These certificates are recognised everywhere.
Are the students being offered any financial aid?
The fee is nominal and in case of students in dire need we provide financial aid, too, from our scholarship fund. But at l east 25 to 30 per cent of the cost has to be borne by the student.
What is the placement rate for students completing these courses?
We provide 100 per cent job assistance and since candidates undergo quality training, acceptability in the market is huge. Our candidates have been placed in Fortis Healthcare, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Ojas Hospital, Shalby Hospital, Ivy Super Speciality Hospital, Matta Diagnostic centre etc. We have 90 to 95 per cent placement rate.
Courses offered
General Duty Assistant (GDA)/Home Health Aide(HHA):
Duration: Four-month course, 3 months theory/classroom teaching, 1 month practical training in some good hospital,
X-Ray Technician Course:
Eligibility: Class 12, any stream,
Duration: One-year course (8 months theory, 4 months internship in some good hospital),
Dialysis Technician course
Eligibility: Class 12 in any stream.
Duration: One year (8 months theory, 4 months internship in some good hospital),
Operation Theatre Technician Course
Eligibility: Class XII Science,
Duration: Two-year course, 1.5 years of theory, 6 months practical Training.
MLT (Medical Lab Technology Course)
Eligibility: Class XII, any stream
Duration: Two years, including 6 months of practical training in a healthcare institution
EMT(Emergency Medical Technician Course
Eligibility: Class XII, any stream,
Duration: One year course, IMA certified
Hospital Front Office and Billing Executive Course (HFOBE)
Eligibility: Graduation or pursuing Graduation
Duration: 6 months
More courses are expected to start in January 2019
— As told to Geetu Vaid
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