Recently, a significant development has taken place in the healthcare sector of India. The Lok Sabha passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill (NNMC), 2023, and the National Dental Commission bill, 2023. The intention behind these bills is to repeal existing acts and bring about improvements in the quality of healthcare across various medical fields.
The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill,2023
The NNMC Bill is considered a crucial legislative development aimed at bringing reforms and enhancing the nursing and midwifery professions in India. The strategic objectives outlined by this bill revolve around establishing the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) as a regulatory body for nursing and midwifery professionals. Moreover, the bill seeks to repeal the Indian Nursing Council Act, of 1947, considering it outdated and no longer fulfilling the current needs and demands of the evolving nursing and midwifery profession.
Composition and Roles of the NNMC
The NNMC will comprise 29 members, including a Chairperson with a postgraduate degree in nursing and midwifery and 20 years of field experience. Ex-officio members from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, National Medical Commission, Military Nursing Services, and Directorate General of Health Services will also be part of the Commission. Some of its critical functions include developing policies and regulating standards for nursing and midwifery education, providing a uniform admission process, and establishing standards for faculty in teaching institutions.
Structure of Autonomous Boards and State Commissions
The bill proposes the formation of three Autonomous Boards and State Nursing and Midwifery Commissions. The functions of these entities range from regulating education and examination at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, assessing and rating nursing and midwifery institutions, and regulating professional conduct and promoting ethics in the profession.
Establishment of Institutions and Conducting Practice
Under the bill’s provisions, permission from the Assessment and Rating Board is essential to establish new nursing and midwifery institutions or increase seats/postgraduate courses. An advisory council provides advice and support to the National Commission on Nursing and Midwifery education, services, training, and research.
The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023
The National Dental Commission Bill primarily focuses on the regulation and improvement of dentistry in India. It aims to establish the National Dental Commission (NDC) as a regulatory body for dentistry and intends to repeal the Dentists Act of 1948.
Composition and Functions of the NDC
Expected to be constituted by the central government, the NDC will have 33 members, including an eminent and experienced dentist as the chairperson. The commission will regulate dental education, institutions, and research, ensure admissions through National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), and oversee infrastructure development.
Working of Autonomous Boards and State Councils
Like the NNMC Bill, this bill also proposes the formation of Autonomous Boards and State Dental Councils responsible for maintaining registers, handling grievances, determining compliance assessment procedures, granting permissions, conducting inspections, and implementing provisions.
Examination Framework and Advisory Council
The bill calls for the introduction of a National Exit Test (Dental) for licensing and postgraduate admissions. While clearing this test grants a license to practice, registration in state/national register remains mandatory before commencing practice. The Dental Advisory Council functions closely with the Commission to advise on education, training, research, and equitable access to dental education.
