The assessment and management of health workforce requirements is an ongoing and dynamic process carried out in coordination with State Governments and Union Territories based on evolving public health needs.

To establish a robust statutory mechanism for regulating allied and healthcare professions across 57 recognized categories, the Government enacted the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021, and constituted the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Profession (NCAHP) under the provisions of the Act. NCAHP has finalized 18 competency-based curriculum and online enrolment portals for professionals and institutions were made live in October 2024 to facilitate central and state-level workforce mapping. Furthermore, 29 States/UTs have constituted State Allied and Healthcare Councils for implementation and execution of the provisions under the Act.

To address the evolving demands for AHPs in healthcare ecosystem, the Central Government in Budget Announcement 2026, announced addition of 100,000 AHPs over next five years. Further, an amount of Rs.1000 Crore has been allocated in this year for the Scheme for Allied Health Care Professionals.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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HFW/PQ-Steps taken for Strengthening Allied Healthcare Workforce/31 July 2026/3