The National Medical Commission Bill

  • The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 was introduced by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
  • The Bill seeks to repeal the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and provide for a medical education system which ensures
    • Availability of adequate and high-quality medical professionals
    • Adoption of the latest medical research by medical professionals
    • Periodic assessment of medical institutions
    • An effective grievance redressal mechanism.

Constitution of the National Medical Commission: 

  • The Bill sets up the National Medical Commission (NMC). Within three years of the passage of the Bill, state governments will establish State Medical Councils at the state level.
  • The NMC will consist of 25 members, appointed by the central government.
  • Members of the NMC will include: (i) the Chairperson, (ii) the President of the Under Graduate Medical Education Board, (iii) the President of the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board, (iv) the Director General of Health Services, Directorate General of Health Services, (v) the Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, and (vi) five members (part-time) to be elected by the registered medical practitioners from amongst themselves from the prescribed regional constituencies under the Bill.

Functions of the National Medical Commission:

  • Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals.
  • Assessing the requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure.
  • Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of the regulations made under the Bill.
  • Framing guidelines for determination of fees in the private medical institutions and deemed universities which are regulated as per the Bill.

Medical Advisory Council:

  • Under the Bill, the central government will constitute a Medical Advisory Council. The Council will be the primary platform through which the states/union territories can put forth their views and concerns before the NMC.

Entrance Examinations:

  • There will be a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to under-graduate medical education in all medical institutions regulated by the Bill.
  • The NMC will specify the manner of conducting common counselling for admission in all such medical institutions.
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