Will review the role of various professional regulatory bodies in healthcare and consider setting up an overarching lean body for healthcare

By Ashwin Mb and Robin Keshaw

In India, numerous regulatory bodies viz Medical Council of India (MCI), Pharmacy Council of India, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation are working in healthcare sector. In 2016, Parliament passed Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Act, which has changes pertaining to a uniform entrance examination. No other provision regarding review of role of MCI exists in this Act. In September 2018, Government appointed Board of Governors to supersede Medical Council of India to take over the power and function of the Council pending passage of National Medical Council Bill. But it must be noted that the Bill seeks to only provide for quality medical education, and medical care. It does not review the role of various professional bodies in health care and does not propose an overarching body.

Since, Government hasn’t taken any steps to setup an overarching lean body for healthcare, the promise is considered “Broken”