National Medical Commission (NMC)

Context:

The Centre has appointed Dr.AbhijatSheth as the new Chairperson of the National Medical Commission (NMC), amid growing concerns over regulatory gaps and a recent corruption probe into medical college approvals.

What is the National Medical Commission (NMC)?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is the apex regulatory body for medical education and professionals in India, established under the NMC Act, 2019, which replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI).
NMC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It reflects how government regulates sectors like education, health, law, etc.
- Regulation of education is a Concurrent List
It aims to bring transparency, accountability, and quality to medical governance.
Key Functions of the NMC:
- Regulates medical education, including UG and PG courses (e.g., NEET, NEET-PG).
- Frames policies and standards for medical institutions and professionals.
- Assesses medical colleges through its autonomous boards.
- Regulates fees for 50% of seats in private medical colleges and deemed universities.
- Maintains a national register of licensed medical practitioners.