Hyderabad, Nov 11 (Maxim News): Allied healthcare professionals across Telangana and the country may soon need mandatory registration and periodic renewal of their credentials. The proposed rules cover physiotherapists, radiologists, optometrists and medical laboratory technologists.
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has proposed a unified digital registration system. Registered professionals will receive unique identification numbers through a centralised national portal.
The system aims to address differences in regional registration practices. It will also help authorities track practising professionals and improve patient safety and accountability.
The proposal forms part of NCAHP’s efforts to regulate the country’s allied and auxiliary healthcare workforce. It also aims to identify and remove unqualified practitioners from professional practice.
Three-Year Grace Period for Existing Practitioners
Under the Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, existing practitioners with older qualifications may receive a three-year grace period.
The provision covers professionals whose degrees or diplomas do not meet the new NCAHP standards. They may continue working during this period while upgrading their qualifications.
However, older degrees and diplomas will not automatically qualify practitioners for permanent registration. They must complete recognised bridge courses lasting six months to one year.
These courses will include supervised clinical training. Candidates must also pass a qualifying examination to move from provisional to regular registration.
Recognised allied and healthcare education institutions will conduct the bridge courses. Admissions will follow a transparent, first-come, first-served process.
Registration Through State Councils or Central Portal
Professionals must submit provisional registration applications through their respective State Allied and Healthcare Councils.
In states without functional councils, applicants can approach the central NCAHP digital portal directly.
The proposed regulations also require practitioners to apply for registration within two years after the rules officially come into force.
The draft provides safeguards for applicants whose registration requests are rejected. They can appeal by submitting a written response and will receive a formal opportunity to be heard.
The proposed bridge courses are intended only to upgrade professional skills and meet registration requirements. They will not automatically award a new academic degree or diploma.
Key Provisions in the Draft Regulations
Grace period: Existing practitioners with older qualifications may receive three years to meet the new standards.
Bridge courses: Six-month to one-year training programmes will include supervised clinical hours.
Competency examination: Practitioners must pass a qualifying examination for permanent registration.
Digital identification: Each registered professional will receive a unique identification number through a centralised registry.
Application deadline: Professionals must apply within two years after the regulations come into force.
Appeal process: Rejected applicants can submit written appeals and receive an opportunity to be heard.
Course admissions: Recognised institutions will conduct admissions transparently on a first-come, first-served basis.
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