Regulation of allied healthcare profession on the cards

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a draft Bill for the establishment of national and State-level councils for regulation and standardization of education and services provided by allied healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and nutritionists.

Currently, allied and healthcare professionals remain unidentified, unregulated and under-utilized, the statement added.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said he was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving landmark legislation — the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill — which will provide employment opportunities to millions of youths and would help standardise allied healthcare. “Our system is highly focused on efforts towards strengthening limited categories of professionals such as doctors, nurses and front line workers [like accredited social health activist or ASHAs, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife or ANMs].

      Mr. Nadda said the legislation would bring all existing allied and healthcare   professionals on board.