JAMMU, Jul 13: Expressing concern over the absence of a uniform regulatory framework for Allied Healthcare education in India, Dr. Anshu Kataria, President, Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA), President, Federation of Self Financing Technical Institutions (FSFTI), All India, and Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges, has urged the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) to ensure greater certainty, transparency, and consistency in the implementation of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
In a detailed representation submitted to the Commission, Dr. Kataria has sought the formulation of comprehensive regulations covering admissions, eligibility criteria, infrastructure, land requirements, intake capacity, and other key academic and institutional norms. He also emphasized that essential regulatory provisions should remain stable during an ongoing academic session.
Dr. Kataria further recommended the notification of uniform land norms for all Allied Healthcare courses, the creation of a national digital database of students, the publication of institution-wise approved intake capacities, and the establishment of a transparent, predictable, and technology-driven regulatory mechanism for institutions across the country. India has the potential to become one of the largest suppliers of skilled healthcare human resources by offering quality Allied Healthcare education and training.
Dr. Kataria also expressed concern over the pending affiliation process in Punjab, stating that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has not yet endorsed the new Allied Healthcare norms for affiliating universities. He said that the UGC should issue directions to IKGPTU, Jalandhar, for the implementation of the new norms so that thousands of aspiring students can benefit from healthcare courses.
Dr. Rev. K. V. K. Rao, General Secretary, FSFTI, stated that the Allied Healthcare sector holds immense potential to address India’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. He urged the NCAHP to introduce comprehensive and uniform regulations at the earliest, enabling institutions across the country to function with clarity, consistency, and confidence while maintaining the highest academic and professional standards.
Adv. Amit Sharma, Senior Vice President, PUCA, emphasized that such a rapidly expanding sector requires a robust, stable, transparent, and uniform regulatory framework that promotes quality education, strengthens institutional accountability, and instills confidence among students, universities, regulators, healthcare institutions, and other stakeholders across the country.
Manjit Singh, Patron, PUCA, said that the discipline has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing healthcare domains, with over 2,500 institutions across the country collectively offering more than 2 lakh seats annually in various Allied Healthcare programmes. He added that the sector plays a crucial role in strengthening the healthcare delivery system by producing skilled professionals in Allied Healthcare disciplines.
HPS Kanda, Executive Member, PUCA, said that a clear and uniform regulatory framework is essential for the healthy growth of Allied Healthcare education. He emphasized that transparent regulations and policy stability would safeguard the interests of students, educational institutions, and universities while ensuring quality education across the country.