The Indian Medical Council

Government Bills - The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2012

Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2010 has been introduced to substitute the related Ordinance which was issued when the Parliament was not in Session. Though the hon. Minister has explained the reasons, but in my opinion, undoubtedly, where planned elective surgery could have been done, Government has opted for a bypass emergency surgery.

Sir, the Medical Council of India has been functioning as an autonomous body for more than half-a-century and had contributed to the growth and excellence of the medical profession and our doctors have made a mark not only in India but globally. The Indian qualified doctors are amongst the most respected and reputed professionals globally.

Sir, the Ordinance contains provisions that a Board of Governors of the Indian Medical Council be constituted. This Board would supersede the Medical Council. This was, probably, necessitated due to the recent events and allegations as stated by hon. Minister. Being one of the most ancient noble and reputable professions that is totally dedicated to the cause of mankind it had adversely impacted the doctors in India and Indian doctors globally. Should there be any truth in the allegations made, the steps proposed by the Amendment should have been effected decades earlier than to let the issues brew and go out of proportions.

Sir, in the Medical Council the president enjoyed unlimited and unchecked authority maybe due to centralization of power with one person. It is not clear whether this Ordinance incorporated any provision to prevent the recurrence of earlier situation.

Sir, the Board of Governors should have proper representation across the country along with some ex officio Government and private members.

Sir, in the reconstituted Council, necessary provisions may be introduced based on the present-day requirements, with a provision for periodical review of the decisions taken by the MCI and all the decisions of the MCI, specially relating to any concessions or deviations, to be put on a national website. It should have a real-time dynamic website to exhibit transparency and to regain the lost confidence.

I also feel that the syllabus has to be updated periodically. I think, they are doing it after five or ten years' gap. Most of our medical students are facing that problem. In addition to that, equipment used is old. The Medical Council of India is still using specifications of old machinery, whereas today, technology is advancing very fast. Thank you, Sir.