The Hyderabad-based Heritage Hospitals, the country's first geriatric hospital, has entered into a joint venture with the United Church Homes (UCH) of USA to train and provide placement to Indian paramedical professionals in US hospitals. The hospital groups have signed a MoU in this regard following which two separate joint venture entities have been formed. The new entities are UCH Heritage Healthcare (USA) Inc., USA (UCHH-USA) and UCH Heritage Healthcare India (P) Ltd. (UCHH- India).

As part of this agreement, UCHH-India will give the nurses an intensive training for the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certification, proficiency in English and familiarization with US health standards and requirements. On the successful completion of the qualifying examinations, the nurses will be assisted in processing their Green Card applications. Their placements will be taken care by UCH at various hospitals in different cities in USA.

According to Brian Allen, president, UCH, USA, "At present there is considerable shortage of medical staff and this is expected to multiply over the next two years accounting to an estimated 4, 50,000 vacancies in USA in the nursing profession alone. The joint venture will benefit nurses in India who aspire to work in USA. "

KR Gangadharan, director, Heritage Hospitals adds, "This huge gap can be bridged by Indian medical professionals, especially nurses, as we have a large number of qualified nurses who have substantial clinical experience and are held in high regard the world over for their dedication. Unfortunately, most of them are not in a position to better their prospects as most international examinations are very expensive and require a command over English and skillful preparation."

UCHH-India will also coordinate a tie up with CMC, Vellore and Baptist Hospital, Bangalore for a similar arrangement.

The UCH, USA is an 87-year old not-for-profit corporation. It has been offering retirement services in USA covering housing and healthcare services with operations across the US with 40 branches. It is also engaged in recruiting healthcare professionals, especially registered nurses for placement in third party healthcare facilities and hospitals in US.

Established in 1994, Heritage Hospital has evolved as a multi-specialty hospital now. The Heritage home care services has trained professionals providing bedside assistance and undertake specialized services such as payment of bills for bedridden patients, physiotherapy etc.