The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), launched competency-based curricula for ten allied and healthcare professions. Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava inaugurated the launch event. Also present were Ms. Hekali Zhimomi, Addl. Secretary, MoHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), and Dr. Yagna Shukla, Chairperson, NCAHP.
India is training its healthcare professionals not just for India, but for the globe. The new curricula will set a benchmark for the quality of healthcare professionals.
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava
The curricula will cover a broad spectrum of professions, including Physiotherapy, Applied Psychology and Behavioural Health, Optometry, Nutrition and Dietetics, Dialysis Therapy Technology and Dialysis Therapy, Radiotherapy Technology, Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Health Information Management, and Physician Associates.
In her inaugural address, the Union Health Secretary underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to strengthening capacity building and improving the quality of education and training across all domains of the healthcare sector. She highlighted that “the comprehensive revision and standardization of the curricula represent a pivotal step toward establishing consistency in educational content and delivery.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Yagna Unmesh Shukla, Chairperson, NCAHP, stated that “it is important to note that this marks the first phase of the curriculum rollout. The release of curricula for other professional categories, as outlined under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, is currently underway and will be completed at the earliest possible opportunity.”
She further informed that “the new curricula will be mandatorily implemented from 2026. The new curricula will be available on the NCAHP website.”
The newly launched curricula are built upon the following principles:
Standardization: Establishing minimum educational standards to ensure consistent quality of graduating professionals nationwide.
Competency-Based Approach: Emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare settings, moving beyond theoretical knowledge.
Holistic Development: Fostering not only clinical expertise but also essential skills such as communication, teamwork, ethical practice, and lifelong learning.
Support for Universal Health Coverage: Preparing a skilled workforce in physiotherapy and renal care to support the government's vision of Universal Health Coverage.
The event witnessed the virtual participation of esteemed members from various State Councils, along with distinguished subject matter experts from across the allied and healthcare sectors.
These curricula will ensure uniformity and an important step in the direction of actualizing the vision of ‘One Nation, One Curriculum.
Dr Yagna Shukla, Chairperson, NCAHP
Background:
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) is an Indian statutory body that regulates and maintains standards of education and services for allied and healthcare professionals.
The development process involved extensive consultation with academic experts, representatives from professional associations, and key stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem. A thorough review of existing educational modules was conducted, incorporating insights and feedback from senior technical advisors to ensure relevance and rigor.
Furthermore, the curricula have been carefully realigned with the regulatory standards and provisions outlined in the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021. This comprehensive approach ensures that the training of allied and healthcare professionals remains current, responsive, and of the highest quality.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Theresa Lily/MSM)
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