The Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC) has reportedly rejected the registration of 70 paramedical professionals out of the approximately 800 applications received since the registration campaign began in September 2022. These professionals were apparently deemed to lack the necessary qualifications.
Among those rejected are said to be physiotherapists.
Previously, these individuals were legally allowed to practice due to a legal loophole, but that period has now ended. The AHPC has requested the rejected candidates to update their qualifications before reapplying for registration. The AHPC, which regulates 18 paramedical professions, requires professionals to meet specific criteria.
In the coming months, only registered professionals with the AHPC will be authorized to practice, in accordance with the Code of Practice and the Allied Health Professional Council Act 2017. The AHPC aims to highlight “Standards of Proficiency” with the proposed amendments in the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (No. XI of 2023).
Currently, there are around 1,200 practitioners in the paramedical field, and the registration campaign has received approximately 800 applications. Nearly 200 applicants have been officially recognised by the committee, and their names are listed on the AHPC website for patients to verify their registration status.
While 174 professionals have been registered as of July 13, 2023, registrations are still ongoing. The AHPC encourages those who have not yet submitted their applications to do so promptly.
The AHPC has stated that once the registration process is completed, the Ministry of Health will be responsible for taking appropriate action against those who are not accredited. The AHPC can only regulate registered professionals, and an ethics and complaints committee will address patient grievances.
Paramedical professions involve providing care and support to patients in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. The AHPC Act 2017 currently covers 18 professions, including audiologists, chiropractors, counselors, dieticians, occupational therapists, nutritionists, osteopaths, speech therapists/pathologists, podiatrists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and others.
Source: Defi Media
