New Delhi: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has proposed a new regulatory framework for the provisional registration of eligible allied and healthcare professionals, with provisions for skill development, competency assessment and transition to regular registration.
The commission, functioning under the Union Health Ministry, has invited public and stakeholder comments on the Draft Provisional Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, framed under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
The proposal is aimed at providing a structured registration pathway for eligible professionals, including those already working in the sector who do not possess the prescribed primary qualifications.
The draft regulations specify eligibility criteria, credential verification procedures and requirements for provisional registration. They also outline a pathway for professionals to fulfil the prescribed educational and competency standards for regular registration.
Under the proposed framework, provisionally registered professionals may be required to undertake prescribed bridge courses, supervised clinical training and minimum qualifying examinations, wherever applicable, to enhance their skills and demonstrate professional competency.
The draft also envisages an integrated online registration system for submitting applications, verifying credentials, assessing eligibility and issuing provisional registration certificates.
Professionals granted provisional registration will receive a Provisional Registration Unique Identification Number (PR UID) to facilitate their identification and regulatory oversight.
The proposed regulations also specify provisions concerning the validity, extension and termination of provisional registration, along with procedures for appeals.
Eligible professionals can transition to regular registration in the appropriate Central or State register after fulfilling the prescribed educational and competency requirements.
The framework is intended to bring greater uniformity, transparency and accountability to professional registration while strengthening competency standards and patient safety.
The commission has invited comments, suggestions and objections from professionals, associations, educational institutions, State Allied and Healthcare Councils, healthcare institutions, experts and members of the public by December 4.
The draft regulations are available on the NCAHP website. Stakeholders can submit their feedback by email to ncahp.regulations@ncahp.mohfw.gov.in by the deadline.