Awareness of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019 Provisions to the Indian Medical Healthcare System: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The Medical Council of India (MCI) was previously responsible for regulating medical education and practice in India. Over the years, the MCI faced several allegations in terms of corruption and lack of transparency. The NMC Act had thus replaced MCI with the National Medical Commission (NMC) in this context with the power for policy direction. These policies can affect Indian public health directly or indirectly.

STUDY METHODS

This study is achieved by conducting an observational study by collecting primary data through online means. The study population is divided into three major categories: medical practitioners, lawyers, and the general population. Aspects from these various backgrounds about the awareness of the NMC Act are analyzed through this study. The Internet and World Wide Web which offer online articles will be used as tools for conducting this research with human resources and questionnaires using electric resources.

RESULTS

The general awareness about the NMC Act among the respondents was found to be poor. Opinions on the Center-State relations for decision making in terms of health outcomes varied by profession, with the respondents acknowledging that each state performs differently. Regular inspections by third parties in Medical Colleges and exit tests under the NMC Act were seen as moves to ensure the provision of quality health care to the public by graduates from good institutions. The appointment of Community Health Providers in rural areas seemed favorable to most except for people from the medical background. Some medical professionals even argued the CHP practice seemed unethical towards their profession.