Cabinet approves amended draft of NMC Bill; common MBBS final for the country included

New Delhi: The provision dealing with bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine to a limited extent has been removed in the amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday.

One of the chief recommendations approved by the cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the proposal for a common final examination for MBBS across the country, named National Exist Test (NEXT). Those who finish their MBBS course in the country or abroad will have to clear NEXT. However those who take their medical degree abroad will have to pass the NEXT after their foreign qualification. The Amendment to the NMC Bill follows the discussion in Lok Sabha earlier this year, and the decision of the house to refer it to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC).

It may be recalled that the original proposal to conduct a national eligibility test for those who pass MBBS in the country after the university degree, had invited much protest from medical education circles and students. The provision in the amended bill providing for a common MBBS final exam (NEXT) addresses this.

The other amendments look at fee regulation in private medical institutions and deemed universities and state that “the maximum limit of 40% seats for which fee would be regulated in private medical institutions and deemed universities has been increased to 50% seats.”

The bill also stipulates a punishment of one year's imprisonment and fine of five lakh rupees for those practicing medicine without prescribed qualification.

The cabinet decided to drop the provision allowing homeopathy, ayurveda, unani and siddha doctors to practice modern medicine after a bridge course. This was the main provision opposed by the medical community of modern medicine and the 'allopathy' doctors' body Indian Medical Association (IMA) had mobilized public support for this and declared direct action if that was included.

As regards the measures for addressing and promoting primary health care in rural areas, for which a bridge course for practitioners to get licence, the Bill leaves it to the State governments to take necessary steps. .

The system of action on medical colleges violating rules is being categorized into layers. It is now graded into warning, fine, reduction of seats, stoppage of admission and finally cancellation of recognition.

The bill with these changes will be introduced in the parliament.