The Dr MGR Medical University has proposed introduction of a paramedics certificate course in `healthcare aid or home healthcare delivery’ to serve the geriatric and bed-ridden patients at their doorsteps. The move comes in the wake of candidates in rural areas expressing their inability to pursue the paramedical courses in urban centres, according to a top university official.

In her address at the KG College of Health Sciences graduation ceremony organised by KG Foundation here on Sunday, University Vice-Chancellor Dr S Geethalakshmi said it was her aim to expand the fellowship, diploma and certificate courses in paramedics and allied health science courses.

However, the candidates in rural areas expressed their inability to pursue the paramedical courses in urban centres and hence this proposal, she said.

“Paramedical is a good profession and almost equal that of a doctor. Paramedics work in coordination with doctors, rendering effective healthcare service to mankind,” Geethalakshmi said.

“It is their care and compassion that cure the patients more than medicines and injections,” she said, according to a foundation statement said today. Tamil Nadu has been hailed as the number one state in providing
healthcare services due to the ethical practices being followed by the medical fraternity, she observed.

Geethalakshmi gave away medals and certificates to the 14 rank-holders and released a book `Nenje, Nenje…’ authored by KG Hospital Chairman G Bhakthavatsalam.

In another function, Bhakthavatsalam conferred `Dynamic Indian of the Millenium Award’ on Geethalakshmi and five other medical experts, including liver transplant specialist Dr Anand Khakhar, heart transplant specialist Dr KR Balakrishnan, member secretary of the Tamil Nadu Transplant Authority Dr P Balaji, senior neurosonologist Dr M Prateep and senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr A Sakthivel.