Chandigarh, July 13: The Federation of Self Financing Technical Institutions (FSFTI) and the Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA) have urged the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) to introduce a uniform, transparent and predictable regulatory framework for Allied Healthcare education across the country.

In a representation submitted to the Commission, Dr Anshu Kataria, President of PUCA, President of FSFTI and Chairman of Aryans Group of Colleges, sought comprehensive regulations governing admissions, eligibility criteria, infrastructure, land requirements, intake capacity and other academic norms under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021. He also called for regulatory provisions to remain unchanged during an ongoing academic session to prevent uncertainty for students and institutions.

Dr Kataria proposed uniform land norms for Allied Healthcare programmes, a national digital database of students, publication of institution-wise approved intake, and a technology-driven regulatory mechanism to improve transparency and accountability. He said India has the potential to become a global hub for skilled Allied Healthcare professionals by strengthening the quality of education and training.

Raising concerns over delays in the affiliation process in Punjab, Dr Kataria said the University Grants Commission (UGC) was yet to endorse the new Allied Healthcare norms for affiliating universities. He urged the UGC to direct IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Jalandhar, to implement the revised norms so that students seeking admission to Allied Healthcare programmes are not affected.

Dr Rev. K.V.K. Rao, General Secretary of FSFTI, said a uniform regulatory framework would enable institutions to function with greater clarity and consistency while maintaining high academic and professional standards.

Senior Vice-President of PUCA Adv. Amit Sharma said a stable regulatory framework would strengthen institutional accountability and build confidence among students, universities, regulators and healthcare institutions.

PUCA Patron S. Manjit Singh said Allied Healthcare has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing healthcare sectors, with more than 2,500 institutions offering over 2 lakh seats annually in various programmes. He said the sector plays a crucial role in strengthening the country’s healthcare delivery system by producing skilled professionals.

PUCA Executive Member HPS Kanda said transparent regulations and policy stability were essential to safeguard the interests of students, educational institutions and universities while ensuring quality Allied Healthcare education nationwide.