Parliament Question: Paramedical Courses

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 5732 TOBE ANSWERED ON 27THMARCH 2026 PARAMEDICALCOURSES 5732. DR. GANAPATHYRAJKUMAR P: Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased tostate: (a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that Paramedical courses are the next dream of rural and Government school students who cannot become doctors and 90% of those who choose paramedical courses are from poor familiesandget admission inGovernment medical colleges on the basis of merit after scoring good marks in Plus two examination, if so, the detailsthereof; (b) whether the Government is also aware of the fact that if this also requires the poor students have to pay a hefty fees for private training/coaching for the NEET exam by the rural poor and students who cannot afford to pay for training is likely not to be able to study thiscourse, if so, the detailsthereof; (c) whether the Government is likely to take necessary action to withdraw the recent announcementmade bythe National ParamedicalandHealthServicesCommission(NCAHP) to conduct the NEET exam for various paramedical courses including physiotherapy and occupationaltherapy from the academicyear2026-27; and (d) if so, the detailsthereofand if not,the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL) (a) to (d) : The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021 was enacted on 28th March 2021 to regulate and maintain uniform standards of education and services rendered by Allied and Healthcare Professionals, ensure the assessment and accreditation of institutions, maintain a Central and State Register of such professionals andto establish a system to improve access, promote research and development adopt scientific advancements and address matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.The Central Government, under the provisions of the NCAHP Act, 2021 constituted the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Profession. Further, the term “Paramedical” has been replaced by“Allied and Healthcare” as per NCAHPCircular No. Z/103/2024-AHS- DOHFWDEPARTMENTdated01.07.2025. As per the provisions mentioned in Section 66 (2) (c) and Section 11(1) (g) of the Act, the Commission decided that the admission in Physiotherapy Under- Graduate (UG) programmes i.e. Bachelor of Physiotherapy andOccupational Therapy Under-Graduate (UG) programmes i.e. Bachelor of Occupational Therapy listed in Categories 3 and 6 respectively of the Schedule of the NCAHP Act, 2021 shall be through National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET). However, considering the logistic issues, the admission process through mandatory requirement of appearance in NEET(UG)-2026 examination, for Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Under-Graduate programme has been deferredtill next academic year2027-28. *****