Cabinet approves certain official amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved certain official amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill.

The Amendment to the NMC Bill comes in the backdrop of its consideration in the Lok Sabha on 02.01.2018 and subsequently being referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC). The Government has considered the recommendations made by the Standing Committee in its report tabled in the House on 20.03.2018 and general feedback, particularly the views of medical students and practitioners regarding certain provisions of the Bill.

Details:

• Final MBBS Examination to be held as a common exam across the country and would serve as an exit test called the National Exit Test (NEXT):
  NEXT would also serve as the screening test for doctors with foreign medical qualifications in order to practice in India.
• Provision of Bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine removed
• Fee regulation for 50% seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities
• Number of nominees from States and UTs in NMC increased from 3 to 6
• Monetary penalty for a medical college non-compliant with the norms replaced with provision for different penalty options
• Stringent punishment for unqualified medical practitioners or quacks