Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
5. Account for the importance of Allied Health professionals in the delivery of health care services. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article explains why government’s recognition of allied healthcare professionals is a paradigm shift.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss in detail the importance of Allied Health professionals in the delivery of health care services.
Directive:
Account – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well. Conclude by stating clearly how far you are in agreement with the original proposition.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with some statistics/data related to allied healthcare professionals in India.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
Discuss first who are allied healthcare professionals?
Explain why it is important to recognise their contributions to the delivery of Healthcare services.
Talk about National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020 (NCAHP) – impact of this legislation on the health workforce and healthcare denotes a paradigm shift.
Explain the importance of regulation and maintenance of standards of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals and the maintenance of a central register of such professionals.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the stress of modern lifestyle, rapid urbanisation, rising chronic non-communicable disease burden, and an increasing proportion of elderly from 5.3 per cent in 1950 to an estimated 10 per cent in 2020 and expected to increase to 19 per cent by 2050), have necessitated a change in delivering healthcare. Caring for patients with mental conditions, the elderly, those in need of palliative services, and enabling professional services for lifestyle change related to physical activity and diets, all require a trained, allied health workforce.
