FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals in Kerala
SECTION A — GENERAL REGISTRATION
1.Who must register?
Anyone intending to practise a recognised allied and healthcare profession must register under the applicable Regulations. Registration is completed upon entry in the State and Central Registers and issue of a Unique ID.
2. Who is eligible for registration?
Applicants must possess a recognised primary qualification listed in Schedule I of the Registration Regulations, 2026, obtained from a recognised institution, and must reside in the State where they apply for registration. They must also satisfy the prescribed exit examination requirement. Until a separate exit examination is prescribed by the National Commission, the final examination conducted by the recognised institution shall be treated as the exit examination.
3. Are similar qualifications or private certificates accepted?
No. Only Government-approved or Government-recognised qualifications from recognised institutions, as specified in Schedule I of the Registration Regulations, 2026, are eligible for registration. The list of approved qualifications will be available in the drop-down menu of the SWASTHYA SANGAM online registration portal. Applicants must select the applicable qualification from this list.
4. How do I apply and what documents are needed?
Applications must be submitted in Form R-1 through the SWASTHYA SANGAM online portal, along with the prescribed fee and required supporting documents. A link to the portal will be provided on the official KESAHC website. Original certificates must be produced for verification, as required. Detailed application instructions and document requirements will be published on the KESAHC website.
5. How long does processing take?
The State Council is required to process an application within 30 working days of receipt, subject to scrutiny and verification.
6. What happens if my application is rejected?
A reasoned written order will be issued, with an opportunity to correct applicable defects. An appeal may be filed with the National Commission within one month of receiving the rejection order, as prescribed in Regulation 5.
7. Can I practise in another State?
A professional entered in the Central Register may practise the recognised profession in another State, subject to prescribed intimation procedures. Registration may be sought with only one State Council at a time.
8. How long is registration valid and when should I renew?
Registration is valid for five years. Apply for renewal six months before expiry and pay the prescribed fee. Practice is not permitted during periods of invalid registration as provided in the Regulations.
9. What are the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements for renewal?
At least 15 hours annually and 75 hours over five years; online CPD must not exceed 50%. Submit the required self-certified attendance certificate.
10. What is interim registration?
It is for students of recognised institutions undertaking required internship or practical training. The institution initiates the application with the State Council where it is located; no fee is charged. Training must be at the attached practising facility, as prescribed.
11. Is provisional registration available?
Yes. Provisional registration may be available to persons who were providing services in recognised allied and healthcare professions prior to the commencement of the NCAHP Act, 2021, but do not meet the eligibility requirements for regular registration, subject to the regulations framed under Section 38 of the Act.
12. Can I add qualifications or update details?
Yes. An additional qualification approved by the Commission may be registered by submitting the prescribed application along with a fee of ₹1,000 to the National Commission. Changes to registered particulars can be made using Form R-2, while applications for duplicate registration certificates must be submitted in Form R-4, along with the applicable documents and prescribed fee.
13. What are the registration fees and where can I apply?
Fees are as prescribed by the Government of Kerala. Applications and payments are through the SWASTHYA SANGAM online portal. Refer to the KESAHC website for updates.
14. Are registration details public?
Yes. The State and Central Registers are publicly accessible through the respective official websites, with information specified in Schedule III.
15. Can I obtain a Good Standing Certificate?
Yes. Registered professionals requiring one for overseas education, practice or student exchange may apply to the relevant State Council on payment of a fee of ₹1,000
SECTION B — FOREIGN-QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS
16. Can a foreign-qualified professional apply for registration?
Yes. Chapter VI provides a separate procedure, subject to recognition of the foreign qualification by the Commission or prescribed equivalency credential evaluation, and any applicable exit examination.
17. Where is an application for regular registration submitted?
Foreign-qualified applicants apply to the National Commission in Form R-5A, following the prescribed procedure.
18. Is temporary registration available?
Yes, for eligible applicants undertaking specified activities such as postgraduate or specialty education, fellowships, research, clinical training, observerships, workshops, expert visits or voluntary service, subject to the Regulations.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Verify your qualification, institution and eligibility before applying. Use only official KESAHC and National Commission communications and portals; do not pay unauthorised agents or share passwords or OTPs.
This FAQ provides general guidance. In case of discrepancy, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, the Registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals Regulations, 2026, and subsequent official notifications and orders prevail.
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Has KESAHC commenced registration of professionals and inspection/recognition of institutions?
No. The Kerala State Allied and Healthcare Council (KESAHC) has not yet commenced the registration of Allied and Healthcare Professionals or the inspection/recognition of institutions. Any updates in this regard will be published on the Council’s website in due course.