National Medical Commission (NMC)

Why in News?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently proposed a Unique Identification (UID) system for doctors, which would allow doctors to practise across India without requiring separate state-wise registration or licences.

About the National Medical Commission

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is a statutory body established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. The Act came into force on 25 September 2020.

The NMC replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) and serves as the apex regulatory authority for medical education, medical professionals and medical institutions in India.

It is responsible for the recognition of medical qualifications, accreditation of medical institutions, registration of medical practitioners, regulation of medical practice, and assessment of medical infrastructure.

The headquarters of the NMC is located in New Delhi.

Functions of the National Medical Commission

Establishing Policies and Regulations

The NMC lays down policies and regulations to maintain high quality and standards in medical education and frames necessary regulations for the medical sector.

Regulating Medical Institutions and Professionals

The Commission develops policies for regulating medical institutions, medical research and medical professionals to ensure appropriate standards in the medical profession.

Assessing Healthcare Needs

The NMC assesses the country's healthcare requirements, including the availability of human resources and healthcare infrastructure, and develops a roadmap to address these requirements.

Coordinating Autonomous Boards

The Commission promotes and coordinates the proper functioning of the NMC and its Autonomous Boards and frames guidelines for the functioning of State Medical Councils.

Ensuring Compliance

The NMC ensures that State Medical Councils comply with the guidelines and regulations framed by the Commission.

Exercising Appellate Jurisdiction

The NMC functions as an appellate body for decisions taken by its Autonomous Boards.

Promoting Ethical Conduct

The Commission lays down policies and codes of professional ethics to ensure ethical conduct within the medical profession.

Framing Fee Guidelines

The NMC frames guidelines for determining fees and other charges for 50% of seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities.

Other Functions

The Commission also performs other functions and exercises powers that may be prescribed under the relevant legal framework.

Composition of the NMC

The National Medical Commission consists of 33 members, including a Chairperson, 10 ex-officio members and 22 part-time members.

The Chairperson must be a medical professional.

Medical Advisory Council

The Medical Advisory Council (MAC) provides a platform through which States and Union Territories can put forward their views and concerns before the NMC.

It also advises the NMC on measures for determining and maintaining minimum standards of medical education.

Four Autonomous Boards under NMC

The NMC functions through four Autonomous Boards, each dealing with a specific area of medical regulation.

1. Under-Graduate Medical Education Board

The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board deals with matters related to undergraduate medical education and its standards.

2. Post-Graduate Medical Education Board

The Post-Graduate Medical Education Board deals with postgraduate medical education and the maintenance of appropriate educational standards.

3. Medical Assessment and Rating Board

The Medical Assessment and Rating Board deals with the assessment and rating of medical institutions.

4. Ethics and Medical Registration Board

The Ethics and Medical Registration Board deals with professional ethics and registration of medical practitioners.