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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a landmark directive discontinuing the use of the term “Paramedical” in all official, academic, and public communications across India. Effective July 1, 2025, the term “Allied and Healthcare” will replace “Paramedical” in all written, verbal, and electronic communications, aligning with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021.
According to the circular released by the NCAHP, this change aims to ensure uniformity and clarity in the classification of healthcare professions. The government stated, “The term ‘Paramedical’ has long been used to describe various healthcare-related professions that provide support services. However, with the enactment of the NCAHP Act, 2021, the term ‘Allied and Healthcare’ has been formally adopted to define, standardize, and recognize these professions under a unified framework”.
All state governments, union territories, and relevant universities and institutions have been instructed to discontinue the use of “Paramedical” in official correspondence, policies, advertisements, training programmes, institutional titles, recruitment notifications, educational materials, and government documents or portals. State health departments have been urged to disseminate the directive and ensure compliance at the earliest.
The term “Allied and Healthcare” now encompasses professionals in fields such as Medical Lab Technology, Radiology, Operation Theatre Technology, Anaesthesia, Dialysis, Optometry, and Cardiac Care. These professionals are recognized as playing a vital role in supporting doctors, conducting diagnostic tests, managing emergency care, and ensuring the smooth operation of clinical services.
The move has been widely welcomed by allied and healthcare professionals, who see it as a significant milestone in the institutional recognition and standardization of their roles within the healthcare system.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information available as of July 1, 2025, from official government communications. For the most current and detailed guidance, readers are advised to consult the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions1.
