Revised NMC Bill: No bridge course, jail term for quacks

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved certain official amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill.

Notably, Millennium Post had first reported in its edition dated March 28 that the revised NMC Bill would be approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday.

As per the changed amendments, 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). So, if the proposed Bill would become a law,

students would not have to appear in a separate exam after MBBS to get license to practice as NEXT would also serve as the screening test for doctors with foreign medical qualifications in order to practice in India.

The amendment to the NMC Bill comes in the backdrop of its consideration in the Lok Sabha on and subsequently being referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC). The Government has considered the recommendations made by the Standing

Committee in itsreport 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.

In the revised NCM Bill, the provision of bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine has been removed and it has been left to the state governments to take necessary measures for addressing and promoting primary healthcare in rural areas.

In another major amendment suggested by Parliamentary Standing Committee, the maximum limit of 40 per cent seats for which fee would be regulated in private medical institutions and deemed

universities has been increased to 50 per cent seats. Also, the number of nominees from states and UTs in NMC has been increased from 3 to 6.

The punishment for any unauthorised practice of medicine has been made severe by including a provision for imprisonment of upto one year along with a fine extending up to Rs 5 lakh.