Kochi | The All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA) has welcomed the Kerala High Court’s judgment as a social turning point. By affirming that Occupational Therapists (OTs) are independent "Healthcare Professionals" under the framework of the National Commission for Allied and Health care Professions (NCAHP), rather than just supportive staff, the ruling clears the path for a massive expansion of specialized early intervention and care centers.
Thousands of new expert jobs aimed at treating developmental conditions like Autism, stroke, ADHD, Alzheimer's disease and many other conditions of children and adults can now emerge.
“The impact of this judgment on society is profound. Families and individuals can now more easily access the therapeutic intervention centers, early intervention centers, and the treatment of developmental conditions like Autism is strengthened, as therapists are now legally empowered to independently decide on and implement treatment plans,” said Dr. Pankaj Bajpai, President, All India Occupational Therapists' Association. The legal clarity provided by the court encourages the establishment of more specialized rehabilitation centers and private clinics, specifically in rural and underserved areas, fulfilling the NCAHP Act's vision to improve healthcare access, he added.
“This will trigger a surge in high-quality job opportunities for allied health professionals in India and abroad. By standardizing education according to international standards, the judgment also facilitates the global recognition and mobility of Indian Occupational Therapists,” said Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Secretary, All India Occupational Therapists' Association.
The judgement promotes a patient-centric, multi-disciplinary medico-psych-social healthcare model that shifts the focus from traditional doctor-centric care to integrated care where the therapist is a primary pillar. The court has also protected the public interest by validating the expertise of these professionals, permitting the use of the prefix "Dr." with the "OT" suffix to signify their learned status in providing preventive, curative, and promotional health services directly to the community under the framework of NCAHP, GOI.
President, AIOTA, Secretary AIOTA and President KOTA congratulated the Chairperson, NCAHP (GoI), for successfully defending the petition and upholding the notified provisions on the use of ‘Dr’ and independent practice of OT/PT professionals.
Dr. Pankaj Bajpai, President, All India Occupational Therapists' Association, Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnacherry, Secretary, All India Occupational Therapists' Association and Dr. Mary Philip, President, Kerala Occupational Therapists' Association spoke during the press conference held in Kochi.