UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17th July 2025
Union Government selects 24 part-time National Medical Commission members
Why in News?
The Union Health Ministry selected 24 part-time members of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and its autonomous boards.
Introduction
- The Union Health Ministry finalized the selection of 24 part-time members to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and its four autonomous boards through a draw of lots
- This marks a significant step in reconstituting the NMC after several key posts, including full-time members and board presidents, remained vacant for over nine months.
About the National Medical Commission (NMC)
- The NMC was constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- It functions as the apex regulatory body for medical education and profession in India.
- NMC aims to:
- Improve access to quality and affordable medical education,
- Ensure availability of adequate and high-quality medical professionals,
- Promote equitable healthcare,
- Set standards for medical institutions,
- Regulate fees and other charges for 50% of seats in private medical colleges.
Composition of NMC (as per NMC Act, 2019)
The NMC consists of:
- Chairperson
- 10 Ex-officio Members
- 22 Part-time Members
- Representatives from States/UTs, State Medical Councils, and experts in medical education and public health.
Additionally, NMC oversees four autonomous boards:
- Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB)
- Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB)
- Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)
- Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
Recent Appointment Highlights
Part-time Members Appointed from States/UT Nominees:
10 members selected from State/UT Government nominees in the Medical Advisory Council (MAC) through draw of lots:
- States/UTs Represented: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh
Part-time Members Appointed from State Medical Council Nominees:
9 members selected from nominees of State Medical Councils in MAC (initially appointed in 2022):
- States Represented: West Bengal, Karnataka, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Uttarakhand
Significance of the Appointments
- These appointments aim to restore functionality to the NMC and its boards after a long vacancy period of full-time members, affecting regulatory efficiency.
- It is crucial for maintaining standards in:
- Medical education,
- Institutional assessments,
- Ethical practices of medical professionals,
- Issuing and maintaining medical registration.
Issues and Concerns
- Delay in Appointments: Key posts like Presidents of three out of four autonomous boards remained vacant for over nine months, impacting the functioning of medical regulation.
- Transparency and Representation: Though the draw of lots ensures transparency, it may not fully account for merit or regional balance in expertise.
Forward Outlook
- With the new appointments, the NMC is expected to expedite medical curriculum reforms, National Exit Test (NExT) implementation, Regulation of new medical colleges and PG seats, and Digitalization of medical registers and grievance redressal.
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Economic Implications
For Indian Exporters
- These reforms reduce transaction costs and compliance hurdles
- Encourage a more competitive and efficient export environment
- Promote value addition in key sectors like leather
For Tamil Nadu
- The reforms particularly benefit the state’s leather industry, a major contributor to employment and exports
- Boost the marketability of GI-tagged E.I. leather, enhancing rural and traditional industries
For Trade Policy
- These decisions indicate a shift from regulatory controls to policy facilitation
Reinforce the goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s ambition to become a leading export power
Recently, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, claimed that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India’s rank as the world’s largest economy varies by measure—nominal GDP or purchasing power parity (PPP)—each with key implications for economic analysis.
