The Lok Sabha has recently passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023, a landmark legislation aimed at transforming the nursing and midwifery sector in India. The bill seeks to establish regulations and uphold education and service standards for nursing and midwifery professionals. Under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the bill envisions the creation of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) while repealing the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947.
Objective: Streamlining Nursing Education
With approximately 33.41 lakh registered nursing personnel as per Indian Nursing Council records till 2022, the need to streamline nursing education becomes evident. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023, seeks to achieve this crucial objective by setting up standardized regulations for nursing and midwifery education in India. By doing so, the bill aims to improve the quality of education and services provided by nursing and midwifery professionals across the nation.
Composition of the Commission
The NNMC will consist of 29 members, with the chairperson requiring a postgraduate degree in nursing and midwifery along with 20 years of field experience. This ensures that the leadership of the commission possesses the necessary expertise and experience to guide the regulatory body effectively.
Functions of the Commission
The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission will be responsible for various crucial functions, including:
- Framing Policies and Regulating Standards for Education: The commission will play a pivotal role in setting policies and standards for nursing and midwifery education, ensuring uniformity and consistency in curricula and teaching methodologies.
- Uniform Admission Process: It will establish a uniform process for admission into nursing and midwifery institutions, thereby promoting transparency and fairness in the selection of students.
- Regulation of Institutions: The commission will regulate nursing and midwifery institutions to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards and guidelines, fostering an environment of excellence in education.
- Faculty Standards: It will also provide guidelines for maintaining high-quality faculty in teaching institutions, promoting skilled and knowledgeable educators who can effectively nurture future nursing professionals.
Autonomous Boards under the National Commission
To facilitate effective functioning and implementation of the bill, several autonomous boards will be established under the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission.
Nursing and Midwifery Undergraduate and Postgraduate Education Board
This board will be responsible for regulating education and examination at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It will oversee the curriculum, assessment processes, and quality of education imparted in nursing and midwifery institutions.
State Nursing and Midwifery Commissions
Every state government will be mandated to constitute a State Nursing and Midwifery Commission, where none exists under the state law. Comprising 10 members, these commissions will work in tandem with the National Commission to ensure effective implementation and adherence to nursing education standards at the state level.
Assessment and Rating Board for New Institutions
The establishment of new nursing or midwifery institutions, increasing seats, or introducing new postgraduate courses will require permission from the Assessment and Rating Board. Decisions on proposals must be made within six months, and in case of disapproval, appeals can be filed with the National Commission and subsequently with the Central Government.
Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Council
The central government will establish the Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Council, with the chairperson of the National Commission serving as its head. This advisory council will play a consultative role, providing valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the nursing and midwifery sector.
