The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill 2020
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2020, was passed by a voice vote in Lok Sabha. Replying to a debate on the Bill, Union Health Minister said that the legislation is aimed at fulfilling long-pending demands for the sector.
Key Points:
- An Allied health professional includes an associate, technician or technologist who is trained to perform any technical and practical task to support. Such professional should have acquired a diploma or degree under this Bill, (minimum2,000 hours spread over a period of 2-4 years).
- A healthcare professional consists of a scientist, physician or other professional who studies, advises, researches, supervises preventive, curative, rehabilitation, therapeutic or promotional health services. Such professionals should have acquired a degree, the duration of which should be minimum 3,600 hours spread over a period of 3-6 years under this bill.
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions:
It will consist of –
- Chairperson,
- Vice Chairperson,
- Five members, representing various departments / ministries of the Central Government,
- A representative of the Directorate General of Health Services,
- Three Deputy Directors or Medical Superintendents,
- 12 part-time members representing state councils.
Functions:
- Creating and properly maintaining an online central register of all registered professionals.
- Draft Policy and standards formation to regulate education and practice.
- Within 6 months of the passage of this Bill, the State Governments shall constitute the “State Allied and Healthcare Council”. This new institution will complement the functioning of the National Commission and maintain the State Register.
- Prior permission from the State Council will be required to establish a new institution, start new courses, increase admission capacity, or enroll a new batch of students in existing institutions.
Offences and Penalties:
Chapter VII of the Bill deals with crimes and punishments. It stipulates that no person is permitted to practice as a qualified allied and health care practitioner who is not enrolled in the State Register or the National Register. Any person who violates this provision will be punished with a fine of Rs. 50,000.
Source – The Hindu
