On Thursday, Aug 8, 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind signed the most contentious NMC Bill, which aims at bringing the mega reforms in the medical education sector of the country while replacing the 63-year-old Indian Medical Council Act.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill passed both the houses of Parliament and will come into action within the next six months as informed by the President. As informed by the Union Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan, the Bill will be notified in the gazette soon.
Once announced, the rules will be framed and the Bill will come into action for the development and regulation of all aspects of medical education, profession, and institutions in the country.
Adding further, Harsh Vardhan said that this bill will ensure probity, quality medical education and will also bring down the costs of medical education in the country. The Bill will eventually simplify the procedures and thus will provide wider access to people for quality healthcare.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill will be responsible for framing policies and will coordinate with the activities of four autonomous boards. These four autonomous boards will be responsible for the UG and PG Education work along with Medical Assessment and rating and ethics and medical registration.
