Physiotherapists in India: Lost in the NCAHP Maze?
When the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021 was introduced, it was celebrated as a long-overdue reform for allied health professions in India. But as the dust settles, a quiet yet growing dissatisfaction has taken root among one group in particular: physiotherapists.
Why are Indian physiotherapists — once hopeful about regulation — now feeling disappointed, unheard, and unhappy?
The Dream of an Independent Physiotherapy Council
For decades, physiotherapists in India have demanded a dedicated Physiotherapy Council, akin to the Medical or Dental Council. Such a body would:
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Represent their interests exclusively
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Set profession-specific standards
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Elevate the status of physiotherapy as an essential, independent pillar of healthcare
Instead, the NCAHP grouped physiotherapy with nine other professions under a common commission. While the intent was to bring uniformity and oversight, for many physiotherapists, it felt like being sidelined in a crowd.
Why the Unhappiness?
1. Loss of Autonomy
Being under a larger umbrella has meant that decisions about physiotherapy are now influenced by a mixed group of professionals, many of whom may not understand the nuances or needs of the field.
2. Identity Crisis
Physiotherapy is a broad, scientific, and clinical field in its own right. Clubbing it with other allied professions, without distinct recognition, undermines the unique value it brings to patient care.
3. Lack of Representation
In the NCAHP structure, physiotherapy does not have a strong, permanent seat at the table. This leaves many professionals feeling voiceless when key decisions are being made about their future.
4. Missed Opportunity for Growth
With rapid global advancements in physiotherapy including sports science, neuro-rehab, and chronic disease management India risks falling behind by not investing in a dedicated regulatory framework.
The Silent Frustration
Many physiotherapists, especially students and early-career professionals, express their concerns in hushed tones. There's a fear of speaking out. Institutional employees may worry about consequences. Senior professionals, after years of advocacy, are weary of hitting a wall.
But this silence isn't acceptance it's frustration waiting to be heard.
So, What’s Next?
It’s time to ask the hard questions:
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Why shouldn’t physiotherapy have its own council?
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Why can't representation be fair and profession-specific within the NCAHP?
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How do we ensure physiotherapists are not just regulated but respected and empowered?
The future lies in unity, clarity, and bold advocacy. The physiotherapy community must continue pushing not with anger, but with reason, vision, and strength.
Let this not be the end of the fight — but the start of a more strategic, united campaign.
India needs physiotherapists.
Physiotherapists need a voice.
And that voice can’t afford to be quiet anymore.
