In a landmark move towards standardization in the healthcare sector, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), has officially directed all state and central authorities to discontinue the use of the term "Paramedical". Instead, the term "Allied and Healthcare" will now be uniformly used across all official platforms, in compliance with the NCAHP Act, 2021.
What the Circular Says
Dated 1st July 2025, the circular (F. No. Z/103/2024-AHS-DOHFW) emphasizes the need for uniform terminology to define and recognize the broad spectrum of healthcare support professionals. These include physiotherapists, lab technicians, radiographers, and other skilled health support workers who play an essential role in healthcare delivery.
According to the circular:
All state governments, Union Territories, and relevant universities or institutions are advised to stop using the word "Paramedical" in:
- Correspondence
- Communications
- Policies
- Advertisements
- Training programs
- Recruitment notices
- Educational materials
- Government documents or portals
The term "Allied and Healthcare" must now be used in place of “Paramedical” in all verbal, written, or electronic forms of usage.
Health Departments in all states and UTs have been asked to ensure compliance and notify concerned stakeholders at the earliest.
Why the Change?
Historically, "Paramedical" was a loosely defined term encompassing a wide range of support services in healthcare. However, with the passage of the NCAHP Act, 2021, the Government has adopted "Allied and Healthcare" as a formal and standardized classification. This aligns India with international norms and helps establish a uniform identity, training standard, and recognition framework for such professionals.
What is Paramedical Terms and Why Change?
Paramedical refers to the field of healthcare that involves assisting doctors and nurses, often in specialized roles, without being a doctor or nurse themselves.
But professionals like Physiotherapist, Optometrist, Occupational Therapist, Nutritionist are Indipendent health care professionals, these professionals no need doctors and nurses for patients care. That's why government are changing Paramedical Terms to Health Care professionals.
Call to Action
This change aims to bring clarity, dignity, and recognition to the professions that form the backbone of India's healthcare system. Health institutions, universities, and recruitment boards are now expected to revise existing materials and frameworks in line with the directive.
The circular has been issued by Robert Singh, Secretary of NCAHP, and is approved by the competent authority.
Read:
1. Physiotherapis in India can officially prefix Dr. and suffix PT, Gov of India approved.