NCAHP Notifies New Registration Regulations for Allied and Healthcare Professionals

NCAHP Notifies New Registration Regulations for Allied and Healthcare Professionals

Why in News?

• The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) notified the Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026 on August 31, 2026, which were published in the Gazette of India on September 15.
• The regulations aim to create a uniform system of registration for allied and healthcare professionals across India.

Key Provisions

• Professionals across 57 vocations under 10 broad disciplines, including physiotherapists, dietitians and laboratory technologists, will be required to register in the prescribed State and Central Registers.
• Registered professionals will receive certificates containing a Unique Identification (UID) number and secure QR code, allowing the public to verify their registration.
• The Central and State Registers will be publicly accessible online and will be synchronised through an integrated system.
• Professionals can register in one State and practise in another, subject to informing the concerned authorities.
• Registration will remain valid for five years and renewal will require Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of 15 hours annually.
• Indian citizens with recognised foreign qualifications can apply for registration after meeting equivalence and examination requirements, wherever applicable.
• Temporary registration is also permitted for specific activities such as higher education, fellowships, research and specialised training.
• Students undertaking internships or practical training can obtain interim registration through their institutions without a registration fee.
• The regulations also provide for a provisional registration and bridge-course pathway for certain existing practitioners who lack the prescribed qualifications.

Significance

• The framework seeks to distinguish qualified professionals from unqualified practitioners and improve patient safety.
• It will strengthen transparency, professional mobility and standardisation in allied healthcare services.
• The reforms are also linked to the government’s objective of creating one lakh additional allied and healthcare professionals over five years.

About the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP):

• It is a statutory body established under the NCAHP Act, 2021. 
• It works under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 
• It aims to improve the quality of healthcare services by ensuring that allied and healthcare professionals follow national standards. 
• It covers various recognised allied and healthcare professions. 

Key Functions:

• Standardisation: It sets standards for the education and training of allied and healthcare professionals. 
• Registration and Accreditation: It regulates the registration, training and accreditation of allied and healthcare professionals. 
• Continuous Professional Development: It encourages professionals to regularly update their knowledge and skills. 
• Research and Development: It promotes research and the use of new scientific and technological developments in healthcare.

Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, consider the following statements:

1. The regulations provide for a common registration system covering 57 vocations across 10 broad disciplines.
2. Professionals registered in one State must obtain fresh registration in another State before practising there.
3. Registration remains valid for five years, and its renewal requires Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
4. Indian citizens with foreign qualifications are exempt from qualification equivalence and exit examination requirements.
5. Students undertaking internships in recognised institutions can obtain interim registration without paying a registration fee.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 

(b) 1, 3 and 5 only 

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only 

(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 5 only

Explanation:

• The regulations establish a uniform registration system covering 57 vocations under 10 broad disciplines. Hence, Statement 1 is Correct.
• Professionals can register in one State and practise in another by informing the concerned authorities. Fresh registration in every State is not mandatory. Hence, Statement 2 is Incorrect.
• Registration is valid for five years, and renewal requires 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development annually. Hence, Statement 3 is Correct.
• Indian citizens with foreign qualifications must meet the applicable qualification recognition, equivalence and exit examination requirements. Hence, Statement 4 is Incorrect.
• Students undertaking internships or practical training in recognised institutions can obtain interim registration through their institutions without paying a registration fee. Hence, Statement 5 is Correct.