Caretakers of healthcare

Ruchi Gupta

Healthcare industry is one of India’s exponentially growing sectors. Be it in terms of economy or job prospects, the industry promises gains for all stakeholders. The industry includes services provided by hospitals, diagnostics, medical devices’ manufacturers and medical tourism. Though Indian healthcare is enjoying a tremendous growth, the scope of development is yet to be explored.

Students at the doorstep of their career should know that this field will see a massive expansion by the end of 2020. With a lot of private players participating alongside the public sector, forming public–private partnership, it is estimated to grow at a compound annual rate of 25 per cent during this five-year tenure.

Dimensions of diagnostics

After completing graduation, most students battle the confusion if they should opt for a low-paying job or pursue higher education. Majority of them enroll into post graduation courses to land up a decent job later on. Diagnostics, a part of the healthcare sector, offers wider prospects when it comes to making a career.  Besides promising lucrative remunerations, this also helps one contribute towards the betterment of mankind.

Diagnostics is witnessing a boom in growth and business. Pathology — a type of diagnosis of human diseases by laboratory methods — includes career options of a diagnostician, a teacher or an investigator. Pathologists in clinical laboratories practice as consultant physicians to analyse the laboratory reports for better diagnosis and treatment of a patient.

Where to work

Diagnostic management professionals are required not only in hospitals and clinics, but also in healthcare NGOs, hospital consultancy companies and IT firms involved in developing software and imaging equipments. Dell, Accenture, Delloite, etc. hire professionals who understand healthcare. Freshers can be hired as technicians too. Adequate training and experience can help them take up future challenges in the field of diagnostics.

Radiology’s periphery

Another segment of diagnostics is radiology. It deals with diagnosing and treating diseases with medical-imaging techniques. With increase in demand for radiologists in India, this field ensures brighter employment avenues and jobs are expected to grow at an unprecedented rate. A radiology expert has the option to work as an ultrasound, X-ray, MRI or CT technician. With an immediate demand for technicians in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices, the field of radiography continues to show higher than the average job growth. Radiology technicians can work in urgent-care facilities, clinics, equipment sales, and private offices.

Radiology is a fascinating subject to study, which in addition to providing certificate to work in the state of residence, also shapes a career in healthcare industry that is challenging and gratifying. Position of a radiologist holds 15th rank among the best jobs in this industry.

Shortcomings 

Lack of talent is currently a drawback. Nurturing freshers for a long term, with focus on quality, opens up scope for many. Technical training is important. The industry also seeks people who have a high moral purpose, are eager to learn and lead. 

With advancement in science and technology, use of medical apps has become very common. These have brought IT and healthcare on a common platform like never before. 

The role of a technician has undergone a major change over the past decade. Most hospitals and healthcare establishments  require services of experienced technicians and radio-interventionist, equipped with multi-disciplinary skills. 

The healthcare industry needs skilled workforce of professionals involved in research, market-shaping and development projects and most importantly in customer-centric roles. India’s healthcare sector has a lot of potential and it must be tapped. 

The big number game

According to India Brand Equity Foundation, the overall healthcare market is worth $100 billion and is expected to reach 280 billion by 2020. The Indian medical tourism will reach $10 billion, with twice the growth in healthcare IT market expected by 2020. The data promises that there will be ample employment opportunities in the coming years in the field of healthcare management.

With huge investments being made in this sector, the functioning of the industry has become more organised and efficient. Besides the urgent need for trained doctors and nursing staff, efficient management is required in various sections of the field.

— The writer is founder and CEO 3hcare.in.