The India Parliament has recently passed the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019. This legislation replaces the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019, originally put into practice on 21st February, 2019. The new bill initiates several shifts in the structure and functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI), including a reduction in the time period for supersession of the MCI from three years to two years, effective from 26th September, 2018.
Changes in Power Dynamics
With this bill, a government-constituted Board of Governors will wield the powers and functions of the MCI as assigned under the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1956. The 1956 Act allows for the MCI’s supersession and its reconstitution within a three-year period. However, with the amendment, this period will be shortened to two years. Throughout this interim period, the Act mandates the central government to institute a Board of Governors, who will assume the responsibilities of the MCI.
In addition to this, the bill also scales up the capacity of the Board appointed by the central government, increasing the number of members from seven to twelve.
National Medical Commission Bill
The government is working on introducing the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, which aims at replacing the MCI with a National Medical Commission. This endeavor is set to revamp the medical education system in India, creating a more efficient and effective approach.
Background
Established under the Medical Council Act, 1956, the Medical Council of India was created to outline standards for medical professionals, accredit new medical colleges, and revise the curriculum, among other tasks. However, in recent times, the council has been embroiled in a series of corruption allegations. The opaque accreditation procedures for medical colleges have added to the controversy, leading the Supreme Court in May 2016 to direct the government to institute an oversight committee to supervise the MCI’s statutory functions.
Replacement of Committee
Following the end of the first committee’s one-year term in 2017, a second oversight panel was established with approval from the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, non-compliance issues led to the committee’s resignation in July 2018.
In response, the government put forth the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, promulgated on 26th September,2018, to supersede the MCI and institute a Board of Governors consisting of renowned doctors.
Achievements of the Board of Governors
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Accreditation of medical colleges | Increased |
| Number of seats in colleges | Increased |
| Procedural hurdles | Reduced |
The Purpose of the Changes
These developments were crucial to implement an alternative mechanism in place of the Medical Council of India. The main objective is to instill transparency, accountability, and quality in medical education governance. Consequently, these changes will produce a more effective and efficient medical education system in India.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024