Lok Sabha today passed the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019 by voice vote. The bill aims at bringing in transparency, accountability and quality in the governance of medical education and practice in the country. It will replace the ordinance promulgated in this regard. The Bill has provision for setting up of the National Medical Commission (NMC). The NMC will regulate medical education and practice in the country.

The Bill has also provision for the supersession of Medical Council of India, MCI for a period of two years with effect from 26th September 2018. During this period, the Board of Governors will exercise the powers and functions of MCI as assigned under the IMC Act, 1956. As per the provisions in the Bill, the number of members in the Board of Governors has been increased from existing seven to twelve.

Replying to the discussion on the bill, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the Bill is the need of the hour. He said the government’s goal is to provide competent and ethical healthcare to the common man. Dr Harsh Vardhan said within the next two years, the country will see radical reforms in the healthcare sector.
The Minister said there has been increase of around 15000 medical seats. Last year, the figure was 60,680 whereas this year, it has risen to 75,543 for admission to MBBS seats. He said transparency is the main principle of the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intention is very clear and pure.

On the matter of digitization of medical sector, the Minister said under the Digital India mission, efforts have been undertaken by the scrutinizing agency to inspect medical colleges randomly as per norms.

Earlier, initiating the discussion, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned the government for taking ordinance route over the issue. He said, his party is not opposed to the core concept of the bill. However, Trinamool Congress and DMK opposed the bill saying it cannot fulfil the aspirations of the common man.