Union cabinet clears National Medical Commission bill, 2017 to replace Medical Council of India - (15 Dec 2017)

Law of Medicine

The Cabinet has approved the draft of National Medical Commission Bill, 2017, in order to ensure transparency. The National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) Bill, 2017 would create a World-Class Education System and replace the existing Medical Council Act, 1956. It aims at relaxing heavy handed regulatory control over Medical institutions. Four separate boards constituted for conducting of undergraduate and postgraduate education, assessment and accreditation of medical institutions and registration of practitioners under the National Medical Commission. The draft bill would ease the processes for colleges to manage undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Earlier, the MCI approval was required for establishing, renewing, recognising and increasing seats in a UG course. Under the new proposal, permissions need only be sought for establishment and recognition.

New Bill aims for outcome based monitoring and to create a less regulated environment in medical education. According to the provisions of the draft bill, Medical colleges are not required to seek permission for adding new seats or to start postgraduate courses. Institutions are required to seek permission only for establishment and recognition. As of now, the Medical Council of India (MCI) gives permission for the establishment and recognition of medical colleges, renews their licenses and approves increases in intake of students.

Under the new draft bill, monetary penalty would be imposed for non-compliance with maintenance of standards. A fine of up to 10 times the annual tuition fee would be imposed on institutions for not fulfilling the norms provided under the Enactment. Further, NMC can frame guidelines for determining the fee for up to 40 per cent of the seats in private medical colleges. A government-nominated chairman and members will be selected by a committee under the Cabinet Secretary. The 25-member NMC will consist of 12 ex-officio members, including four presidents of boards from leading medical institutions; 11 part-time members and, a chairman and member-secretary to regulate medical education in the country. The draft bill seeks to reform medical education sector and to do away with corruption and unethical practices prevalent in Medical Council of India.

Tags : BILL APPROVAL MEDICAL COMMISSION