The Supreme Court issued a stern directive to the Centre and state governments to effectively implement the National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals Act (NCAHP) 2021.
- Out of 28 states and union territories, only 14 have established state councils, and even these are not fully functional.
About National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals Act (NCAHP) 2021:
- The NCAHP Act, 2021 provides a legislative framework for regulating and standardizing education and practices in the allied and healthcare professions.
- The Act established the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, responsible for policy formulation, maintaining a central register of professionals, and ensuring uniformity in qualifications and professional conduct.
- The Act is designed to enhance the quality of healthcare by ensuring that allied and healthcare professionals are adequately trained and regulated.
Key Provisions of NCAHP Act:
- Recognition of Professions: The Act specifies certain categories of allied and healthcare professions as recognized categories.
- These include life science professionals, trauma and burn care professionals, surgical technologists, physiotherapists, and nutrition science professionals.
- National Commission: The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, central government members, representatives from the Directorate General of Health Services, and part-time members from State Councils.
- State Councils: State governments are required to establish State Allied and Healthcare Councils within six months of the Act’s passage.
- These councils are responsible for enforcing professional conduct, ethics, and granting permission to establish educational institutions.
- Professional Councils: The Commission will create Professional Councils for each recognized category to regulate education, curriculum, and professional standards.
- Central Register: The Act mandates the creation of an online Central Register for all registered professionals, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
- Institutional Regulation: Establishing new institutions or courses requires prior permission from the State Council.
- Unauthorized institutions or courses will not have their qualifications recognized.
- Offences and Penalties: Practicing without being registered in the State or National Register will result in a fine of Rs. 50,000.
Issues:
- Non-Implementation: The lack of proper implementation of the Act has led to non-uniform qualifications across various private organizations.
- Unregulated Institutions: The mushrooming of unregulated institutions providing healthcare-related courses has compromised the quality of healthcare education.
- Patient Care Jeopardized: The absence of regulated training institutions endangers patient care, as healthcare professionals may not meet required standards.
- Inconsistent Standards: The failure to establish State Councils and implement the Act uniformly across states has resulted in a lack of consistency in healthcare training and professional standards.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the National Commission for Allied Healthcare Professionals Act 2021?
It is a legislative framework aimed at regulating and standardizing education and practice in allied and healthcare professions.
What is the full form of NCAHP?
National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
Who are the members of National Commission for Indian System of Medicine?
Members include a Chairperson, representatives from the central government, Director General of Health Services, and other appointed members from various states and medical institutions.