SC Orders Regulatory Body for Allied Healthcare Sectors

The lack of regulation has allowed institutions to operate without guidelines, often charging high fees for subpar education and facilities.

The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the state and central governments to establish a regulatory body to oversee the highly unregulated allied healthcare sectors in India.

The Apex Court has set a deadline of two months for the creation of a national commission and state councils to manage the growing number of unrecognized institutions offering courses in allied and healthcare fields.

Background: The Need for Regulation

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, was introduced three years ago to bring order to the allied healthcare sector, which includes professions such as art therapists, audiologists, physiotherapists, and cardiovascular technologists.

However, despite the passage of the Act, progress in setting up regulatory bodies and establishing minimum operational standards has been slow.

The lack of regulation has led to the proliferation of institutions that operate without guidelines, often charging exorbitant fees while providing subpar education and facilities.

Dr B Srinivas, Secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC), highlighted the issue, stating, "Several institutions are operating in small rooms or basements, with no minimum standards for curriculum, faculty, or quality infrastructure. The lack of regulatory norms has led to the proliferation of institutions operating without guidelines."

NCAHP’s Struggles & Responsibilities

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), established in January 2024, is responsible for creating regulatory bodies and ensuring that allied healthcare professions are properly regulated.

However, the NCAHP has struggled to form these bodies and establish the necessary standards.

Yagna Shukla, Chairperson of the NCAHP, acknowledged the challenges, stating, "Approximately 56 professions fall under the purview of the Allied and Healthcare Professions Act 2021. The NCAHP will speed up the process to form a panel consisting of members of the state councils. The state councils will be involved in the groundwork to learn about the specific requirements and will submit a report as directed in the Act."

Shukla also emphasized the importance of streamlining the education curriculum to ensure the proper training of healthcare professionals. The NCAHP's efforts will focus on establishing regulations similar to those of the NMC, which oversees medical colleges.

These regulations will include guidelines on the number of departments required in an institute, the minimum number of faculty members in each department, classroom size, curriculum standards, lecture hours per subject, and the duration of practical training.

Challenges & the Way Forward

One of the key challenges in regulating the allied healthcare sector is the absence of a common entrance exam for admission into these courses. Dr Srinivas pointed out the need for the NCAHP to draft regulations for the establishment and operation of colleges in these professions.

He also stressed the importance of regular inspections to ensure institutions adhere to the defined parameters set by the commission. "Only institutions meeting all these standards should be granted recognition," he added.

To enhance practical knowledge and patient interaction, allied healthcare institutions should partner with hospitals for student internships. This will ensure that graduates are better prepared to handle patients efficiently.

Dr Srinivas noted that the Health Ministry had instructed the NCAHP to draw structural inspiration from the NMC to ensure robust regulation and supervision.

Despite the challenges, the NCAHP is committed to meeting the Supreme Court's deadline for establishing the necessary regulatory bodies. Shukla stated, "The formation of regulations is still under process, and we are following the deadline provided by the court."

The establishment of these regulatory bodies is expected to bring much-needed order to the allied healthcare sector, ensuring that institutions provide quality education and produce well-trained professionals capable of meeting the demands of the healthcare industry.