5 days ago
V-C hails critical role of nurses, paramedics in healthcare domain
P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, has underscored the critical role of nurses and paramedics in the healthcare system.
Addressing the recent graduation ceremony at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College, an affiliate institution of the University, the Vice-Chancellor told the graduating class of paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals that their role in the field of healthcare went beyond just supporting doctors.
'You are the backbone of the healthcare system. You are the first to respond in emergencies, the steady hand in recovery, and the kind voice in moments of fear. Whether it's a nurse offering comfort in a crowded hospital ward, a physiotherapist helping someone walk again after injury, or a lab technician ensuring accurate diagnoses — your work changes lives', Mr. Prakash Babu said.
Recalling the vital roles of these health professionals in times of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, he said: 'The world has finally begun to see what we have always known: that healthcare is not possible without paramedics and allied professionals.
Dwelling on the theme of 'Viksit Bharat - 2047: Role of Paramedics in India', Mr. Babu said achieving the set goals required robust progress in various sectors, and healthcare stands as a cornerstone. Within the healthcare system, paramedics — including nursing staff, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), lab technicians, radiographers, and other allied health professionals — have a critical role in strengthening the healthcare delivery system, expanding accessibility and affordability and ensuring a continuum of care.
The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the vital role of paramedics in emergency and disaster response, mass casualty management, crisis containment, propagation of digital health and telemedicine support and supporting preventive and primary care.
Their mandate, which includes conducting awareness programmes, vaccination drives, screenings (BP, diabetes, malnutrition), and home visits, is key to reducing long-term national health costs and also reducing urban-rural health disparities, he said.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, as India focuses on strengthening healthcare infrastructure — from metros to remote villages — the need for skilled, ethical, and compassionate paramedics has never been greater. 'You are entering a field where your degree is not just a qualification; it is a responsibility. A responsibility to serve with empathy, to uphold the dignity of life, and to continue learning every day', he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also conferred degrees upon the graduating students. B. Ramachandiran, chairman, Radha Ramachandiran, Founder Trustee, Rajiv Krishna, Managing Director, Sree Venkateshwaraa Group of Institutions (SVGI), Moushmi Rajiv, Executive Director, SVGI, B. Vidhya Rangaraju, Chief Operating Officer, Malliga Kannan, Principal Indirani College of Nursing, C. Ananda Vayaravel Cassinadane, Dean, College of Paramedical Sciences and S. Jeyanthi, Principal, College of Physiotherapy were present.
