- Delay Despite Centre’s Directives and Supreme Court Orders
- National Commission to Regulate Allied Health Professions
Article Today, Hyderabad:
In March 2021, the Union Government established the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. The legislation sought to bring 57 categories of allied health professionals—excluding doctors and nurses—under one regulatory framework. The law mandated the creation of state councils in all states. Following repeated directives from the Centre, the Supreme Court also directed states to set up such councils without delay. Except for eleven states, the rest have already constituted them.
Telangana’s Half-hearted Implementation
Telangana formally announced the formation of its council in 2022. However, the body has remained largely on paper. The government appointed Dr. Vijay Kumar of NIMS as chairman along with three co-opted members. Yet, it failed to appoint other professional members or provide an office for the council. With the chairman’s tenure ending before full appointments could be made, the council has remained defunct.
Hopes Pinned on the New Government
After the change of government, allied health professionals expected decisive steps to establish a functional council. However, no move has been made so far. The Joint Forum of Allied and Healthcare Professionals, led by general secretary Manchala Ravinder, and the Society of Indian Radiographers submitted representations to Health Minister Dr. Damodar Raja Narasimha, Principal Secretary Christina, and Additional Secretary Ayesha. They stressed the importance of a council that could ensure recognition, standards, and accountability for allied health professionals.
Stakeholders Press for Immediate Action
Several prominent figures participated in the meeting that discussed the issue. Among them were NIMS Allied Health Sciences College Principal and National Commission member Shirdandas Srinivas, former state council chairman Dr. Vijay Kumar, Telangana president of the Society of Indian Radiographers Damodara Naidu, Joint Forum general secretary Manchala Ravinder, treasurer M.A. Waris, and psychiatric social worker Anita Regolu. The representatives urged the government to constitute a fully functional state council without further delay.
