Bridge course for Ayush doctors

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 29, 2018 : The Union Cabinet on March 28,  Wednesday removed the provision for a bridge course for Ayush practitioners to practice modern medicine, as part of amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill.   It also approved dropping a national level exit exams for MBBS graduates.

Left to States  :  It has now been left to the State governments to take necessary measures for addressing and promoting primary healthcare in rural areas.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved certain other amendments to Bill. The final MBBS examination will be held as a common examination across the country and it would serve as an exit test called the National Exit Test (NEXT).  On the proposed national level licentiate examination, the Cabinet decided to drop the idea in favour of the MBBS final examination, which would be a common exam throughout the country and would serve as an exit test to be called the National Exit Test.

The Amendment to the NMC Bill comes in the backdrop of its consideration in the Lok Sabha early this year and subsequently being referred to the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC). Another amendment looks at fee regulation in private medical institutions and deemed universities and states 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 nominees of States and UTs in the NMC have been increased to six from three. The NMC will consist of 25 members of whom at least 21 will be doctors.