National Medical Commission notified 'Minimum Requirements for Annual MBBS Admission Regulations (2020)' which will be applicable from academic year 2021-22. New regulation replaced instructions issued by erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) in 1999. New guidelines removed title of quantum of land required to set up new medical college and a well-equipped 'Skill Laboratory" made mandate.
In order to recognise increasing stress among medical students and residents, student councilling centres made essential in campuses. Availability of a full functional 300 bed multi hospital for at least two years at time of application made as the necessary criteria. However, there is 10 per cent reduction in teaching bed needs compared to earlier regulations. To enhance the quality of training, passage for visiting faculty added in latest guidelines.
"These (new regulations) allow optimisation and flexibility in utilizing available resources, and harnessing modern educational technology tools to facilitate moving towards quality education, even when resources are relatively scare" Commission notified. New regulations are bound to be followed by applications proposing to establish new medical colleges and for increase in MBBS intake in existing medical colleges form 2021-22.
Two teaching departments made necessary in all medical colleges for training of undergraduates. These includes Department of emergency medicine which replaced earlier causality department and department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.