New registration framework proposed to strengthen allied and healthcare professions in India

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), under the Union Ministry of Health, has proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework for the registration of allied and healthcare professionals, with pathways for skill upgradation, competency assessment, and transition to regular registration.

Also read | What new rules mean for allied health The broad categories of allied and healthcare professions governed by the NCAHP include clinical laboratories, surgical and emergency technology, physiotherapy, nutrition, ophthalmology, occupational therapy, community and behavioural health, medical imaging, physician associates, and health informatics.

The proposed framework aims for uniformity, transparency and accountability in professional registration. Practitioners can enhance their competencies in keeping with prescribed standards, a release issued by the Ministry said.

The NCAHP has invited public and stakeholder comments on the Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026 framed under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.

Key features of the proposed regulations include the establishment of a standardised mechanism for provisional registration in accordance with the NCAHP Act, 2021. “Importantly, the proposed Regulations also provide opportunities for eligible provisionally registered professionals to undertake prescribed bridge courses for skill enhancement, supervised clinical training and minimum qualifying examinations, wherever applicable, to meet the requirements for regular registration,’’ the Healthy Ministry’s statement said.

This competency-based approach seeks to facilitate professional development and career progression, and improve the quality of allied and healthcare services. “The proposed framework places emphasis on skill development, professional competence and regulatory accountability,’’ a senior Health Ministry official said.

By linking progression to regular registration with prescribed requirements, the regulations seek to ensure allied and healthcare professionals possess the necessary knowledge and clinical competencies to deliver quality healthcare services.

An integrated online registration system for submitting applications, verifying credentials, assess eligibility, and issue provisional registration certificates is also proposed. Eligible professionals granted provisional registration will receive a Provisional Registration Unique Identification Number (PR UID).

The digital platform will simply procedures, improve access, and promote uniform efficiency across States and Union Territories. The key features of the proposed regulations include standardised criteria and procedures for provisional registration; online application, verification and issuance of registration certificates with unique identification numbers; provisions for validity, extension, termination and appeals relating to provisional registration; bridge courses for skill enhancement, competency assessments and qualifying exams; supervised clinical training and institutional requirements for professional skill development; and transition to regular registration in the appropriate Central or State Register.

The NCAHP has now invited comments from allied and healthcare professionals, professional associations, educational institutions, State Allied and Healthcare Councils, healthcare institutions, experts, and the general public by December 4, 2026.