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Context:

The Union Health Ministry introduces new competency-based curricula for ten allied and healthcare professions to standardize and modernize education.

News in Detail

The Union Health Ministry, working with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), launches new competency-based curricula for ten allied healthcare professions.

Healthcare system faces challenges like rising diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart issues), a shortage of skilled workers, and the need for professionals who meet international standards. The NCAHP, created under the NCAHP Act of 2021, regulates allied healthcare professions to ensure proper education and practice. 

These new curricula aim to standardize training across the country, support India’s goal of “Swastha Bharat”, and make healthcare accessible to everyone.

Which Professions Are Covered?

The curricula focus on ten key professions that play a vital role in healthcare:

1. Physiotherapy – Helps people recover movement and strength.
2. Applied Psychology and Behavioural Health – Supports mental health and counseling.
3. Optometry – Deals with eye care and vision testing.
4. Nutrition and Dietetics – Guides healthy eating for better health.
5. Dialysis Therapy Technology – Operates machines for kidney patients.
6. Radiotherapy Technology – Treats cancer using radiation.
7. Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology – Performs X-rays, MRIs, and scans.
8. Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology – Assists during surgeries.
9. Health Information Management – Manages patient records and data.
10. Physician Associates – Supports doctors in patient care.

What Are the Goals of These Curricula?

The government designs these curricula to achieve five main objectives:

1. Standardize Education: Ensure all institutions teach the same high-quality content.
2. Focus on Skills: Train students to handle real-world healthcare tasks, not just memorize theory.
3. Develop Well-Rounded Professionals: Teach communication, teamwork, ethics, and lifelong learning.
4. Prepare for Global Jobs: Equip professionals to work anywhere in the world.
5. Support Universal Healthcare: Build a workforce to make healthcare available to all Indians.

How Will This Be Implemented?

• Upgrade Institutions: Improve facilities like labs and equipment.
• Train Teachers: Prepare educators to teach practical skills.
• Build Infrastructure: Invest in modern technology for training.
• Monitor Quality: Check institutions regularly to maintain standards.
• Use Digital Tools: Share curricula online for wider access.

What Challenges Might Arise?

• Uneven Facilities: Not all institutions have the same resources or readiness.
• Funding Needs: Upgrading facilities and training requires a lot of money.
• Resistance to Change: Some schools or teachers may not want to adopt new methods.
• Monitoring Issues: Ensuring consistent quality across India is tough.

Way Forward

• Invest in Facilities: Focus on equipping schools with modern tools.
• Involve Everyone: Work with teachers, professionals, and hospitals for support.
• Track Progress: Set up systems to check if the curricula are working.
• Spread Awareness: Use social media and campaigns to inform people.
• Expand Slowly: Learn from the first phase before adding more professions.

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Source: 

THE HINDU