As widely reported in national papers, some 800 senior paramedics are destined to takeover some of GPs’ work, home visit, prescribing drugs and act as GP all but in name. Not only this “Quick Fix” plan is dangerous to patients but there is as much shortage of paramedics as GPs. So robbing Paul to pay Peter is not the right solution.
This unthought plan envisaged in haste by NHS England is designed to reduce pressure on GPs who are leaving NHS in droves, due to age, migration, staff shortages and work overload. Many in medical profession have deep reservation at elevating paramedics to “Junior Doctors” status fearing lower standard of care that could result in misdiagnosis, putting patients’ lives in danger.
Although these experienced paramedics will undergo four months’ training, sit exams, it takes eleven years to attain GP status, through hard work on hospital corridors and under practicing GPs before they could see patients independently.
An advanced nation like ours should be able to train our own doctors through more places, encouraging bright students to take up medicine, as being doctor is already prestigious profession that carries prestige and is indeed professionally, socially and financially rewarding beyond realm of reality.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
