NCAHP Proposes Replacing 'Paramedical' with 'Allied & Healthcare'

In the most significant move towards the standardization of language across the Indian healthcare system, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) set up by the Union Health Ministry has recommended that all states, Union Territories (UTs), and affiliated institutions embrace the use of the term "Allied and Healthcare" instead of "Paramedical."

This conforms to the provisions of the NCAHP Act, 2021, which statutorily defines, regulates, and recognises allied and healthcare professions within a unifying framework. The phrase "paramedical" has long been used for a range of healthcare supporting services, but is now anachronistic in the light of formal definitions under the Act.

In order to facilitate consistency and consistent messaging on educational, policy, and employment platforms, the Commission has recommended phasing out the use of the term "paramedical" in all official publications, advertisements, policies, institutional naming, training programs, and recruitment materials.

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The Act itself defines allied health professionals as technicians, technologists, or associates who undergo training to assist in diagnosis treatment, and rehabilitation. They must possess diplomas or degrees of not less than 2,000 hours within two to four years. Health professionals include specialists, therapists, or scientists who provide preventive or therapeutic service and must possess degrees of not less than 3,600 hours within three to six years.

The Commission has directed state and UT health departments to inform all concerned authorities and institutions of prompt compliance. The NCAHP Act covers 56 recognized professions under 10 broad heads and aims at regulating educational standards, keeping national and state registers, and facilitating scientific and technological development in the delivery of healthcare.

This suggestion is an important move towards bringing India's medical professionals under uniform terms and regulations.