National Medical Commission

The National Medical Commission is the statutory regulator for medical education and the medical profession in India. Constituted under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, it seeks to ensure adequate, competent medical professionals, quality and affordable medical education, ethical practice, and equitable healthcare access.

Public purpose of the Act

The Act creates a regulatory system intended to improve access to quality and affordable medical education and ensure adequate, high-quality medical professionals across India. It also seeks to promote equitable and universal healthcare, medical research, transparent assessment of institutions, and effective grievance redressal.

Core functions of the Commission

Under Section 10, the Commission provides the overarching policy and regulatory framework for medical institutions, medical research, and medical professionals.

• It assesses healthcare requirements, including human resources and infrastructure, and develops a roadmap for meeting them.
• It lays down policies and regulations for maintaining standards in medical education and professional practice.
• It coordinates the autonomous boards and exercises appellate jurisdiction over their decisions.
• It ensures that State Medical Councils comply with regulations and guidelines made under the Act.
• It frames guidelines for determining fees and other charges for 50 per cent of seats in covered private medical institutions and deemed universities.

Regulatory architecture

The mandate is implemented through four autonomous boards, subject to the Commission’s supervision and coordination.

• The Undergraduate Medical Education Board sets standards for undergraduate medical education.
• The Post-Graduate Medical Education Board regulates postgraduate medical education.
• The Medical Assessment and Rating Board assesses institutions and deals with permissions for courses, seats, and medical colleges.
• The Ethics and Medical Registration Board regulates professional conduct and maintains the National Register of licensed medical practitioners.

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