“Tamil Nadu’s Allied Healthcare Council Delay Raises Concerns Over Patient Safety”

Tamil Nadu’s Allied Healthcare Council Hasn’t Started Working Two Years After High Court Order

More than two years after the Madras High Court told the Tamil Nadu government to set up the Allied Healthcare Council, this important regulatory body has still not been formed.
Created under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, the council was meant to control and check more than 100 allied healthcare jobs like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, optometrists, and speech therapists. Its lack of action has caused worry about whether the state can ensure good quality and safety in these important parts of healthcare.

High Court Set a Deadline, But Nothing Happened

In January 2024, the Madras High Court gave the government two months to make the council work.
The court said the council should have a clear setup, chosen members, and working offices to manage things like licensing, checks, and handling complaints.

But over 18 months later, there’s still no progress.
The council doesn’t have a physical office, a chairman, and hasn’t started registering doctors or doing inspections. This delay not only breaks a legal rule but also hurts people’s trust in the health system.

A Secretary Without a Place or Pay

An example of slow action is Dr. Desikamani Bandaram Srinivasan, a senior physiotherapist who was named the council’s secretary.
He has been working from home without getting his salary for the past eight months. His monthly salary is ₹2 lakh, but it hasn’t been given yet. He even found a possible office space in Saidapet and sent several plans for approval, but the government hasn’t decided on anything. The 20 council members also haven’t met once.

Government Said They’re Working, But Nothing Has Changed

Health Secretary P. Senthil Kumar said the government is trying to get land and money to start the council.
While this suggests they know the problem is serious, there’s been no real action in two years. For the many healthcare workers waiting for registration and recognition, this delay is more than just a slow process—it’s a problem for their careers, quality of care, and trust in the health system.

Why the Council Is Important

The Allied Healthcare Council was meant to watch over allied health services, a sector that is becoming more important in India’s healthcare system.
As people deal with long-term illnesses, disabilities, and aging, allied health workers are key in providing full care.

Without this council, there’s no main body to check qualifications, license doctors, or set training standards.
This gap allows unqualified people to work, which could harm patients.

Some key things the council should do include:

– Registering and licensing allied health workers.

– Checking clinics, therapy centers, and other places.

– Setting up a help line for complaints from workers and patients.

– Giving and taking away licenses if someone breaks rules or is unethical.

– Helping remove unqualified or poorly trained workers.

Experts Are Urging Immediate Action

Healthcare groups have warned about the dangers of not taking action.
Dr. A. R. Shanthi from the Doctors Association of Social Equality (DASE) said that having rules in place is necessary to stop unqualified people from working in the field.

“As more people, especially older adults, need help with health services, we need a strong system to make sure the care is good.
This council isn’t just a formality—it’s a way to keep healthcare honest,” she said.

Dr. Shanthi also pointed out that some areas like naturopathy often have workers with low or questionable qualifications.
Removing those people would make allied services more trustworthy.

Patient Safety Is at Risk

The lack of the council affects more than just control over professionals—it also puts patient safety in danger.
Allied health workers often help people who are vulnerable, such as those with disabilities, long-term health issues, or those needing rehabilitation. Without proper checks, patients could be harmed by wrong treatment, unsafe practices, or bad care.

The allied health sector also helps doctors and hospitals by offering special skills like physiotherapy, lab work, and eye care.
If unqualified people are working in these areas, it can lead to wrong diagnoses, delayed treatment, and serious health problems.

Big Challenges Are Behind the Delay

The slow start of the council shows bigger problems in state healthcare management.
Some of the issues include:

– Bureaucratic delays: Long processes for getting office space, hiring staff, and getting money slow everything down.

– Resource problems: Even though Tamil Nadu is known for its good healthcare, new regulatory bodies often have trouble getting money quickly.

– Policy focus: With many health projects competing for attention, new rules sometimes get left behind.

Experts say solving these challenges is important because good regulation can lower healthcare costs and improve care standards.

An Urgent Need for Reform

Starting the Allied Healthcare Council is more than just meeting a legal requirement—it’s an important step for public health.
As more people rely on allied professionals for post-surgery care, mental health therapy, and care for the elderly, stronger oversight is needed.

Tamil Nadu has been a leader in healthcare with strong services and good medical facilities.
But this delay could damage that reputation.

Policymakers, healthcare workers, and community groups must work together to make sure the council is started quickly.
That way, allied healthcare services will be safe, standard, and available to everyone.

In Conclusion

The situation with the Tamil Nadu Allied Healthcare Council shows a big gap in healthcare regulation.
Even though the High Court ordered it, slow action and issues with money and resources have kept it from starting. This delay puts both workers and patients at risk. Making the council work should be a top priority—not just to meet legal needs, but to protect public health and keep professional standards high.