NATIONAL MEDICAL COMMISSION
1. Context
The Tamil Nadu government has criticized a recent notification by the National Medical Commission (NMC) that restricts the opening of new medical colleges. The government has called the notification "regressive" and urged the NMC to keep it in abeyance.
2. About the National Medical Commission
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) is a statutory body in India that regulates medical education and medical professionals.
- It was established by the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which came into force on 25 September 2020.
- The NMC replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI), which had been criticized for corruption and inefficiency.
- The NMC is composed of 25 members, including doctors, medical educators, and government officials.
- The members are appointed by the central government for a term of four years.
3. The role of the National Medical Commission
The NMC has several important roles, including:
- The NMC sets the standards for medical colleges and courses and ensures that they are met. It also conducts regular inspections of medical colleges and takes action against those that do not meet the standards.
- The NMC conducts several medical examinations, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for undergraduate medical admissions and the National Eligibility Test (NET) for postgraduate medical admissions. It also issues medical licenses to qualified doctors.
- The NMC approves the establishment of new medical colleges and assesses existing ones. It evaluates the infrastructure, faculty, curriculum, and other essential criteria before granting recognition to medical institutions.
- The NMC assesses and accredits medical institutions and their programs to ensure they meet the prescribed standards for medical education. This process helps maintain and improve the quality of medical education.
- The NMC maintains a register of all medical professionals in India. This register helps to ensure that only qualified doctors are practising in the country.
- NMC supports and promotes research and innovation in the medical field. It encourages medical professionals to engage in research activities and contribute to advancing healthcare and medical knowledge.
- The commission serves as an advisory body to the central and state governments on various matters related to medical education, healthcare policies, and the regulation of the medical profession.
- The NMC enforces ethical standards in the medical profession. It also investigates complaints against medical professionals and takes disciplinary action against those who are found to have violated the ethical code.
- The NMC redresses grievances from patients and medical professionals. It also provides information and guidance on medical education and practice.
4. Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
- Universal health coverage (UHC) is the vision that all people have access to quality health services, where and when they need them, without financial hardship.
- It is about ensuring that everyone can obtain the health care they need, without going broke.
- UHC is a fundamental human right, and it is essential for sustainable development.
- It is also a key component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to achieve a more just and equitable world by 2030.
UHC has three key dimensions:
- Everyone who needs health services should get them, not only those who can pay for them.
- People should not fall into debt paying for treatment and care.
- Services should be adequate and effective.
To achieve UHC, countries need to have strong, efficient, and equitable health systems. This includes having a well-trained health workforce, accessible health facilities, and a reliable supply of essential medicines and vaccines.
5. The ratio of 100 MBBS seats for a 10 lakh population
- The ratio of 100 MBBS seats for a 10 lakh population means that there should be 100 MBBS seats for every 1 million people.
- This ratio was recommended by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India in 2023 to ensure that there are enough doctors to meet the needs of the population.
- The NMC's recommendation is based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of 1 doctor per 1,000 people.
- However, the WHO also acknowledges that this ratio may vary depending on the specific needs of a country or region.
- In India, the current ratio of doctors to population is about 0.8 per 1,000 people.
- This is below the WHO's recommended ratio, and it is also below the ratio of 100 MBBS seats per 1 million people.
6. The new guidelines by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
The NMC has released several new regulations, such as the National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023. These regulations set out the standards of professional conduct that medical practitioners in India must adhere to.
- The NMC has introduced a new competency-based medical curriculum, which will be implemented in all medical colleges in India from the academic year 2023-24.
- The new curriculum is focused on developing the skills and knowledge that doctors need to provide high-quality care to patients.
- The NMC has streamlined the process for obtaining a medical license. Doctors can now apply for a license online, and the processing time has been reduced.
- The NMC has established an online portal for medical professionals to register and renew their licenses. The portal also provides information on medical education and practice.
- The NMC has increased the number of medical seats in India by 10%. This will help to increase the number of doctors in the country and improve the quality of healthcare.
- The NMC has taken several steps to improve the quality of medical education and research in India. This includes conducting regular inspections of medical colleges and taking action against those that do not meet the standards. The NMC has also increased funding for medical research.
- These guidelines outline the ethical standards that medical practitioners are expected to uphold in their practice.
|
For Prelims: National Medical Commission, National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, Sustainable Development Goals, Universal Health Care, NET, NEET, Medical Council of India,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the role of the National Medical Commission in regulating medical education and practice in India. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions 1. Consider the following statements (UPSC CSE 2016)
1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome
2. Sustainable Development goals has to be achieved by the year 2030
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct
A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer: B
2. With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2022) 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
|
Source: indianexpress
