Supreme Court

SC Seeks Responses on Implementation of Healthcare Professions Act

The Supreme Court recently sought the response from the Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani, as well as all States and Union Territories, in a plea seeking the enforcement of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021 (NCAHP Act).

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, has issued notice returnable in three weeks. The petition before the Court expresses concern that the non-implementation of the NCAHP Act allows substandard institutions to provide allied health and education services in India.

The plea also notes that there is a lack of consistency in the professional qualifications required for entry-level positions in various allied healthcare professions. Additionally, there is a lack of clarity regarding the scope of practices in various allied health fields, which significantly impacts healthcare services throughout the country.

The NCAHP Act establishes a regulatory body and State-level councils for all allied healthcare professions that were not previously governed by the National Medical Commission, Dental Council of India, Indian Nursing Council, or Pharmacy Council of India Acts.

The petition further alleges a discriminatory and biased approach by the government towards healthcare professionals in this regard. “Even after acquiring the desired professional qualifications, their right and scope of practice has been snatched away due to the absence of statute, while on the other side, similar health professionals like Doctors, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, etc., enjoy the freedom of independent practice in their profession due to the existence of their respective councils,” the plea states.

The poor quality of allied health education, which includes life-saving skills, directly impacts the quality of healthcare services, according to the plea.

“It should not be considered merely as an industry for job creation like other service sectors by introducing very short certificate programs in healthcare,” the plea emphasizes.

 

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Centre Opposes Ex-Judges Panel To Monitor Stubble Burning In SC

The Centre on Friday opposed a proposal in the Supreme Court to form a committee…

9 hours ago

“It’s A Celebration For Us”: Delhi HC Bar Association Felicitates CJI Sanjiv Khanna

The Delhi High Court Bar Association on Friday honored Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv…

9 hours ago

International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrant For Israeli PM Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court has recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

10 hours ago

Cal HC Stays Demolition Of Illegal Constructions In WB’s Mandarmoni

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged…

10 hours ago

SC To Pass Order On Pleas To Efface Words ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would deliver its order on November 25…

11 hours ago

Air Pollution: SC Questions Delhi Govt On Truck Entry Amid GRAP-4 Restrictions

The Supreme Court raised concerns on Friday about the "drastic" consequences of the GRAP Stage…

11 hours ago