ISLAMABAD, April 25: Paramedics are the backbone of the healthcare system and introduction of modern technology in the health sector has increased their importance more than ever before.

Speaking at a two-day workshop on “To develop standard operating procedures”, Principal College of Medical Technology Lt-Col (retired) Dr Azra Qureshi said that the importance of professional paramedics has been highlighted in the recent past specially during the devastating earthquake in 2005.

“Paramedics assist physicians and surgeons in diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and promotion in the field of healthcare provision,” she added.

The workshop was organized and sponsored by the federal ministry of health and the World Health Organization in which technicians of operation theatres, medical labs, medical imaging, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, dental hygiene and emergency medical participated from all over the country.