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National Medical Commission
Context:
Dr. BN Gangadhar has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC).
About National Medical Commission
- The National Medical Commission Act 2019, which came into force on September 25, 2020, established it as a statutory body.
- It replaced the Medical Council of India (as per recommendations of NITI Ayog).
- It aims to improve access to quality and affordable medical education.
- Ensure the availability of high-quality medical professionals nationwide.
- Promote equitable, universal healthcare with a community health focus.
- Encourage medical professionals to adopt and contribute to the latest research.
- Objectively and transparently assess medical institutions; maintain a medical register for India.
- Enforce high ethical standards in medical services; implement an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
Functions:
- Establish policies and regulations for high-quality medical education and standards: regulate medical institutions, research, and professionals.
- Assess healthcare needs and develop plans to meet them.
- Promote coordination and develop guidelines for Commission, Autonomous Boards, and State Medical Councils.
- Exercise appellate jurisdiction over Autonomous Board decisions.
- Establish policies and codes for professional ethics and conduct.
- Set guidelines for determining fees for 50% of seats in private medical institutions and deemed universities.
Composition:
- The Commission shall consist of the following members appointed by the Central Government:
- Chairperson (postgraduate degree in medical sciences, twenty years of experience, and ten years as a leader in medical education.)
- She/He shall serve for up to four years, with no extension or re-appointment, and must retire at the age of seventy.
- Ten ex officio Members and Twenty-two part-time Members.
- Meetings: The Commission shall convene at least once every 3 months.
- Head office: New Delhi