Apollo Medskills, the skills training arm of Apollo Hospitals, has joined hands with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to launch a skill development programme for doctors, nurses and paramedics.

NSDC is providing a soft loan of Rs 24 crore and Rs 3.5 crore for 27 per cent equity stake in the joint venture, while the promoters of Apollo are pumping in 9 crore.

There are plans to set up 40 training centres in the country in 24 months. The first centre has been set up in Chennai. Centres will also come up in Patna, Shillong and Hyderabad this year.

The training programme aims to address the shortage of trained manpower in the healthcare sector. By 2020, the country needs 14 million medical professionals.

The programme will train paramedics in laboratory service, radiology and theatre technology. It will also offer courses in support services such as patient care, bedside care, ward administration, medical coding and housekeeping. Skill upgradation courses for nurses (in wound care and IV therapy) and doctors will also be provided.

“We will use a lot of electronic aids in teaching. The programme will use video lectures and simulators to enhance learning in a painless way,” said Sangita Reddy, Executive Director – Operations, Apollo Hospitals.

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