Regulatory body for AHP needed

While the Government of India was in the process of establishing a council for allied health professionals, an interim multi-stakeholder body should be established, said K Ramamoorthy, of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

Delivering the graduation address at the School of Allied Health Sciences attached to the Christian Medical College on Monday, he said, “The lack of planned courses and institutions, non-uniform nomenclature for the existing courses, diverse standards of practice and lack of qualified faculty pose a threat to the quality of education and skills of the AHP in India that makes it more relevant to establish a council for the AHP on the lines of councils for pharmacy, nursing and other professionals,” he observed.

Effective delivery of healthcare services depended largely on the nature of education, training and appropriate orientation towards community health of all categories of medical and health personnel and their capacity to function as an integrated team.

Describing the AHP workers as an untapped treasure, critical to fixing the gaping holes in India’s health work force, particularly the severe shortage of physicians and specialists, their significance and role has been marginalised due to prevalent culture of medical dominance.

Lack of a statutory body to recognise the contributions of physicians and specialists and to address the grievances these professionals face is affecting adversely, he added.

Christian Medical College director Dr Sunil Chandy welcomed the gathering, college principal Dr Alfred Job Daniel gave degree certificates to passing out students (37 bachelor degrees, 45 diplomas and 58 PG diplomas). Prizes were also given to the best outgoing candidates in various categories.