Mandatory Registration Introduced in Gujarat for Allied Healthcare Professionals, Including Physiotherapists

Registration will now be mandatory for physiotherapists and other allied healthcare professionals under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). The commission has introduced regulations requiring professionals, including those who have already completed allied healthcare courses and those who will pursue them in the future, to register to obtain a licence to practise.

The regulations cover physiotherapists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, optometrists, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals. The registration process will help the government maintain accurate data on professionals working in these fields.

State councils will be responsible for registering professionals and issuing unique identification numbers. An online portal named ‘Swasthya Sangam’ is expected to be launched shortly.

57 Courses Across 10 Categories

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act was enacted by the Government of India in 2021, and the commission came into existence in 2023.

The commission has introduced common curricula for 18 courses across 10 categories, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, optometry, nutrition, medical laboratory sciences, medical radiology, community care, medical technology and health information management. These categories cover 57 allied healthcare courses.

Draft curricula for an additional 14 courses have also been prepared. The new regulations apply to professionals who have already graduated from colleges and universities across India, as well as those who will complete their education in the future.

Gujarat to Begin Registration Through Four Independent Boards

State councils have been established in several states under the commission. In Gujarat, four independent boards have been formed, paving the way for registration of allied healthcare professionals in the state.

Under the regulations, professionals will be registered with the state council of the state where they practise. The commission is expected to launch the Swasthya Sangam portal in the coming days to facilitate the registration process.

Unique ID and Five-Year Renewal Made Mandatory

All professionals, including physiotherapists, will be required to register under the new framework. Registered professionals will receive a unique identification number and an online certificate, which will serve as the basis for practising in their respective professions.

The regulations also include penalties for practising without registration. Registration will have to be renewed every five years.

In states where a state council has not yet been established, professionals and those working in Union Territories will be required to register with the central council. A registration fee of ₹2,000 has been prescribed for registration with the central council, while the fee for state council registration has not yet been finalised.