Kochi, June 30 (IANS): The task force to set up a national regulatory body for allied health sciences met here to finalise a standardised curriculum for various paramedical courses.

The meeting, co-organised by the union health ministry, Public Health Foundation of India, and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, has been working on plans to set up an apex national body for allied health sciences as a facilitator for standardisation and development of an allied health system across the country.

"The ultimate goal of NIAHS (National Initiative for Allied Health Sciences) is to form a council for Allied Health Sciences and the interim arrangement proposed is National Board for Allied Health Sciences as a facilitator than a regulator. Once the activity in the first phase is completed the national board will start functioning," said Kavitha Narayanan, director of NIAHS.

According to NIAHS, there is a shortage of an estimated 64 lakh qualified personnel in allied health sciences.