NMC Bill to establish MD- DNB equivalence: Health Ministry clarification

New Delhi: While many are dissatisfied with certain provisions of the MCI replacement Bill, the National Medical Commission Bill, will bring joy to Diplomate National Board candidates wishing to join medical academia, as the Ministry of Health and Family welfare  has clarified that with the bill, the government aims to establish MD- DNB equivalence.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that in response to all the objections that have been surrounding the impending National Medical Commission Bill 2017, the Ministry of health and Family Welfare recently made public a major document answering 50 major FAQs on the bill.

Read Also: Busting All Myths: Health Ministry releases whooping 50 FAQs on National Medical Commission Bill

Answering to the FAQs concerning shortage of medical faculties as well as the justification of parallel PG degree of DNB, the clarifications state that DNB qualification has been made completely equivalent to MD/MS in the NMC Act; also highlighting that the importance of DNB course as it allows post-graduate education in comparatively smaller towns which may not have medical colleges.

The move would be in sharp contrast to the recent policy of the Medical Council of India that requires a DNB degree holder from a non-MCI recognised institute shall require 3 years of junior residency and 2 years of Senior residency, to be eligible for a teaching post of assistant professor, implying a clear 5 years of additional service if they dream to have a career in Medical Academia

In response to the FAQ reiterating the stand of many that No steps have been proposed to encourage setting up of medical colleges in remote areas, the Health Ministry has clarified that NMC bill provides for relaxation of criteria for the medical colleges which are set up in underserved areas which would be specified in the regulations to the Act. (Proviso to Clause 29 (d)). Further, to address this issue, Government of India is running a scheme to set up 58 medical colleges in underserved areas. 24 more medical colleges are proposed to be taken up in the second phase. The clarifications further add

In order to enhance the availability of faculty, DNB qualification has been made completely equivalent to MD/MS in the NMC Act and adequate provisions have also been made to allow foreign faculty. The question of allowing equated designations to consultants has to be dealt in the regulations for qualifications of teachers by NMC.

The Government also justified that the importance of DNB courses as a parallel PG degree

On account of its design, the DNB course allows post-graduate education in comparatively smaller towns which may not have medical colleges. This would help in improving the geographical location of PG seats. Moreover, there is a severe shortage of faculty for medical colleges. To meet the expanded demand for faculty, we need to recognize DNB as equivalent to specialist.