Centre Proposes New Registration Framework to Regulate Allied Healthcare Professionals

NEW DELHI, Nov 12: The Centre has proposed a new regulatory framework to strengthen the professional standards, accountability and quality of India’s allied and healthcare workforce, introducing a structured registration system that will provide eligible practitioners with opportunities to upgrade their skills and obtain formal professional recognition.

The proposed regulations have been introduced by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), functioning under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The initiative seeks to establish a uniform mechanism for professional registration, credential verification and competency assessment while ensuring that healthcare workers meet prescribed standards before receiving regular registration.

The draft, titled the Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, has been framed under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. The Commission has invited suggestions, objections and feedback from healthcare professionals, educational institutions, professional associations, State Allied and Healthcare Councils and members of the public before finalising the regulations.

The proposed system is expected to bring greater organisation to a workforce that plays an essential role in healthcare delivery but often operates across different professional and regulatory structures. Allied healthcare professionals contribute to diagnosis, rehabilitation, preventive healthcare, laboratory services, nutrition management and several other specialised areas.

The framework is intended to ensure that individuals working in these fields possess the necessary qualifications, practical knowledge and professional competencies to deliver safe and effective services.
Structured Registration System for Healthcare Workers
One of the central features of the proposed regulations is the introduction of provisional registration for eligible allied and healthcare professionals.

Under the framework, applicants will have to satisfy prescribed eligibility requirements and undergo verification of their educational and professional credentials. Those who qualify will receive provisional registration, allowing them to enter a formal regulatory system while completing any additional requirements necessary for regular registration.

The proposal particularly addresses the position of existing practitioners who may have professional experience but do not possess all the prescribed primary qualifications required under the regulatory framework.

Instead of leaving such individuals outside the formal system, the proposed mechanism offers them a structured route to improve their qualifications and demonstrate their professional abilities.

The Commission has proposed bridge courses, supervised clinical training and minimum qualifying examinations, wherever applicable, to help eligible professionals meet the standards required for regular registration.

These measures are intended to establish a balance between recognising existing professional experience and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered by competent and appropriately trained personnel.

The regulations also envisage clearly defined provisions relating to the validity, extension and termination of provisional registration, along with mechanisms for appeals and regulatory oversight.
Bridge Courses and Competency Assessment
The proposed bridge-course mechanism is expected to become an important part of the transition process.

Healthcare professionals who do not fully meet the prescribed qualification requirements may be required to undertake additional academic or practical training to address identified gaps in their knowledge and skills.

Such courses could include specialised instruction, practical exposure and supervised clinical experience, depending on the requirements of the relevant professional category.

The introduction of minimum qualifying examinations is also intended to ensure that candidates demonstrate the competencies necessary to perform their professional responsibilities.

The government believes that a competency-based approach will strengthen the quality of allied healthcare services while creating opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

However, the implementation of these provisions will require adequate training facilities, qualified supervisors, transparent examination procedures and sufficient institutional capacity.

Healthcare experts have also highlighted the importance of ensuring that existing practitioners are not unnecessarily prevented from continuing their work because of delays in arranging bridge courses or examinations.

The transition mechanism will therefore need to provide clear information regarding eligibility, training requirements, registration timelines and the process for obtaining regular recognition.
Digital Registration to Improve Transparency
Another significant component of the proposed framework is the introduction of an integrated online registration system.

The digital platform is expected to streamline application submissions, verification of educational documents, eligibility assessments and the issuance of provisional registration certificates.

Professionals granted provisional registration will receive a Provisional Registration Unique Identification Number, known as PR UID.

The unique identification system is expected to make it easier for regulatory authorities to maintain professional records, monitor registration status and ensure greater accountability across the healthcare workforce.

A centralised digital mechanism could also reduce inconsistencies in registration procedures between different states and Union Territories.

At present, professional recognition and registration requirements can involve multiple institutions and administrative procedures. A more standardised online system could simplify these processes and improve access to regulatory services.

The proposed platform is also expected to support better coordination between the national Commission and State Allied and Healthcare Councils.

However, the success of digital registration will depend on reliable verification systems, data protection safeguards, accessible online services and adequate assistance for professionals who face difficulties using digital platforms.
Strengthening Patient Safety and Healthcare Standards
The proposed regulations come at a time when India’s healthcare sector is expanding across public hospitals, private medical institutions, diagnostic centres, rehabilitation facilities and community-based healthcare services.

While doctors and nurses remain central to patient treatment, allied healthcare professionals perform several specialised functions that directly influence diagnosis, treatment decisions and recovery.

Radiology professionals, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians, nutritionists, dietitians, rehabilitation specialists and other healthcare workers contribute to different stages of patient care.

Their professional competence is therefore important for ensuring reliable diagnostic results, effective rehabilitation and appropriate support during treatment.

A formal registration system could help patients and healthcare institutions identify professionals who have undergone the required verification and fulfilled prescribed competency standards.

It may also help regulatory authorities identify gaps in professional training and develop targeted measures to improve service delivery.

The proposed framework seeks to create a system in which professional recognition is linked not only to educational qualifications but also to practical abilities and continuing skill development.

Such an approach could strengthen public confidence in allied healthcare services and encourage institutions to maintain higher professional standards.
Stakeholder Consultation Before Finalisation
The NCAHP has invited comments and suggestions on the draft regulations from all relevant stakeholders.

The consultation process is intended to allow professionals, healthcare institutions, academic organisations and regulatory bodies to examine the proposed provisions and highlight practical challenges before the framework is finalised.

The deadline for submitting feedback is December 4, 2026.

The draft regulations are available on the official NCAHP website, and stakeholders can submit their comments through the designated email address, ncahp.regulations@ncahp.mohfw.gov.in.

The feedback received during this period will be considered by the Commission before taking further steps towards finalising the rules.

Issues such as eligibility criteria, the availability of bridge courses, assessment procedures, registration timelines and institutional responsibilities are likely to be important areas for consideration.

The final framework will need to provide sufficient clarity to both professionals and employers so that the transition towards formal registration does not create unnecessary uncertainty.
A Step Towards a More Organised Healthcare Workforce
The proposed regulatory changes represent an effort to strengthen the institutional framework governing allied and healthcare professions in India.

By introducing provisional registration, competency-based assessments and a digital identification system, the government aims to create a more transparent and accountable professional environment.

The initiative could also encourage greater investment in professional education, practical training and specialised healthcare skills.

For the system to achieve its intended objectives, however, implementation will be crucial. Training opportunities must be accessible, examinations should follow transparent standards and the registration process must remain affordable and efficient.

The proposed regulations are still at the consultation stage and should not be treated as finalised requirements.

Once the stakeholder feedback has been examined and the regulations are finalised, the framework could provide a clearer pathway for professional recognition while supporting India’s broader objective of improving healthcare quality and patient safety.