Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel presented the bill for repealing the Gujarat State Physiotherapy Council Act in the sixth session of the 15th Legislative Assembly on Friday.

While presenting the details of this bill in the House, Health Minister Patel stated that the Gujarat State Physiotherapy Council Act, 2011, was in effect in the state, under which the Gujarat State Council for Physiotherapy was established.  

Recently, the Government of India has formed the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.

The purpose of this commission is to regulate and oversee the standards of education and services of allied and healthcare professionals across the country, evaluate institutions, maintain central and state registers, and promote research and development.  

“Since the newly formed State Allied and Healthcare Council will take over all responsibilities of the Physiotherapy Council, there will no longer be a need for a separate Physiotherapy Council,” said Patel.  

“All functions of the Gujarat State Council for Physiotherapy, including its funds, resources, personnel, rights, and responsibilities under the 2011 Act, will be transferred to the State Allied and Healthcare Council,” he added.  

Under the Act, a total of 56 allied and paramedical courses have been classified into 10 categories.  

According to Section 22 of the Act, each state is required to establish a State Allied and Healthcare Council.

Consequently, the Gujarat government issued a notification on November 26, 2024 to establish the Gujarat State Allied and Healthcare Council. Moreover, through a notification dated December 20, 2024 the chairperson and various members of this council have also been appointed.  

Among the 56 different allied healthcare courses included in the central government’s Act, physiotherapy is also covered. Currently, around 30 of these 56 courses are being conducted in Gujarat.  

Currently, Gujarat has a total of 73 physiotherapy colleges, including 5 government and 68 self-financed institutions.  

As of February 17, 2025, a total of 21,668 physiotherapists have been registered with the Physiotherapy Council.  

Under the Government of India's Act, 56 different allied and paramedical courses are classified into 10 categories:  

1. Medical Laboratory and Life Sciences Category – 11 courses  

2. Trauma, Burn Care, and Surgical/Anesthesia-Related Technology – 6 courses  

3. Physiotherapy Professionals – 1 course  

4. Nutrition Science Professionals – 2 courses  

5. Ophthalmic Science Professionals – 3 courses  

6. Occupational Therapy Professionals – 1 course  

7. Community Care, Behavioral Health Sciences, and Other Professionals – 14 courses  

8. Medical Radiology, Imaging, and Therapeutic Technology Professionals – 5 courses  

9. Medical Technologists and Physician Associates – 9 courses  

10. Health Information Management and Health Informatics Professionals – 4 courses  

During the discussion on this bill, legislators including Shailesh Parmar, Payal Kukrani, Darshana Deshmukh, Kirit Patel, Mukeshkumar Patel, Umesh Makwana, and Rivaba Jadeja expressed their views.  

At the end of the discussion, the bill was unanimously passed in the House.

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