The National Medical Commission Act, 2019 received the assent of the President on the 8th August, 2019 and it seeks to replace the Medical Council of India Act, 1956.
Background
The Medical Council of India was established under the Indian Medical Council Act with the main function of establishing uniform standards of higher qualifications in medicine and recognition of medical qualifications in India and abroad. However, issues of corruption and nepotism along with non accountable administration highlighted the need for a nomination based authority to overhaul the regulation of medical education system and its practice. Towards this end, the Act repeals Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and dissolves the current MCI.
Objectives
It is an Act to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals in all parts of the country; that promotes equitable and universal healthcare that encourages community health perspective and makes services of medical professionals accessible to all the citizens; that promotes national health goals and facilitates maintenance of a medical register for India and enforces high ethical standards in all aspects of medical services. The Act repealed the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and provides for a medical education system which ensures:
Salient Features
1. Constitution of the National Medical Commission:
The Act requires the setting up of the National Medical Commission (NMC). It also requires constitution of State Medical Councils at State level within 3 years. The NMC will consist of 25 members, appointed by the central government. A Search Committee will recommend names to the central government for the post of Chairperson, and the part time members. The Search Committee will consist of seven members including the Cabinet Secretary and five experts nominated by the central government
(of which three will have experience in the medical
field).
The Commission shall consist of the following persons to be appointed by the Central Government, namely:
Functions of the NMC include:
2. Medical Advisory Council:
The central government will constitute a Medical Advisory Council which consists of chairman and members of NMC as ex officio members and vice chancellors of States/UT as members. The Council will be the primary platform through which the States/UTs may put forth their views and concerns before the NMC. Council will advise the NMC on measures to determine and maintain minimum standards of medical education, training and research.
3. Autonomous Boards: Autonomous boards are set up under the supervision of the Commission. Each autonomous board will consist of a President and four members (two full time and two part time). These boards are:
4. Community Health Providers: The Commission may grant limited license to practice medicine at mid-level as Community Health Provider to person connected with modern scientific medical profession who qualify the criteria specified by the regulations.
5. Entrance Examinations: There will be a uniform National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate super-specialty medical education in all medical institutions which are governed by the provisions of this Act.
A common final year undergraduate medical examination, to be known as the National Exit Test will be held for granting license to practice medicine as medical practitioners and for enrolment in the State Register or the National Register.
Impact
Challenges
Way Forward
Medical system in India needs quality across the spectrum. Thus, the need of the hour is to experiment with the new changes proposed by the bill specially related to community health providers (Chattisgarh has similar 3-year course). However, it is pertinent to move forward with adequate planning and evidence based processes.