National Medical Commission Bill Passed in Rajya Sabha With amendments

New Delhi: Following a series of debates and objections to several clauses, the upper house of the parliament today gave its nod to the National Medical Commission Bill (NMC Bill) calling for MCI replacement, albeit with certain amendments

The bill was passed after Clause-by-clause vote was taken on the NMC Bill in Rajya Sabha.

Bringing the bill to the table,Union Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan termed it one of the biggest reforms in the field of medicine, pointing out to issues of corruption plaguing the MCI, and referring to the reports Ranjit Rai committee as well as the  Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health that condemned the functioning of the MCI.

Several issues plaguing the medical education system were raised during the Rajya Sabha discussions Shri Ramdas Athawale raised Payal Tadvi case in Rajya Sabha, asking the medical council to seriously look into the case.

Staunchly opposing the bill, IMA President and Rajya Sabha Member Dr Shantanu Sen stated that the government was bulldozing the bill of the children, who had taken to streets to oppose the bill

Meanwhile, MP Shri Jairam Ramesh  stated that while that the intention of the Bill was noble, the contents of the bill were killer. The MP demanded two amendments, first to the clause on the constitution of the bill and second to the percentage of seats whose fee will be determined by the government

Responding, Health Minister while not guaranteeing the amendment in the bill clarified that private medical colleges will not be allowed to fix fee randomly and there will be cap on the remaining 50% seats fee as well and this will be done via rules and regulations framed by the NMC.