India’s Allied Health Crisis – A Call for Unified Action

Abstract India’s healthcare system heavily relies on Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) like optometrists, physiotherapists and lab technologists, who provide crucial support. However, this vital sector faces a deep crisis rooted in its history, marked by severe workforce shortages, fragmented education, and a lack of consistent standards and recognition. Before 2021, there was no central body to regulate these professions, leading to varied quality and patient safety concerns, especially with many informal providers in rural areas. A significant step was taken with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act in 2021, aiming to standardize education and practice. While new curricula have been launched, the Act’s implementation is slow across many states, and some lower-skilled workers remain excluded. India’s growing population and increasing disease burden demand a massive expansion of this workforce. Effective enforcement of the NCAHP Act, along with investments in training, better retention strategies, and enhanced professional recognition, are crucial to build a strong and reliable allied health sector for India’s future healthcare needs.