India Legal News: Dissolution of the Medical Council of India

The Medical Council of India (MCI), which was responsible for maintaining and regulating the standards of medical education in the country, was dissolved on 15^th May 2010, after an ordinance was signed by the President of India. Despite, having good intentions, the Medical Council was dissolved due its failure on several fronts.

This is a golden opportunity to bring about a change for medical professionals. Are you wondering why? The challenge ahead is to raise the standard of medical education and reform the regulatory mechanisms pertaining to medical education as it exists today.

India Legal News: Reasons for Dissolution of the Medical Council

Some evident reasons for the failure and dissolution of the Medical Council are, such as:

 Immense Corruption

The MCI comprises of health care professionals mostly from for-profit medical colleges. This lead to clash of interests and narrow perspectives and ignorance of the actual goals of health care needs.

Lack of Proper Equipments

Students of the medical course set in tertiary care institutes, dealing with rare diseases are not properly equipped to deal with the health requirements of local communities. The focus of teaching, the medical interns have shifted from imparting practical skills to learning medical theories, which has made them less capable to manage basic conditions.

Emphasis on Infrastructure

The MCI rules and regulations emphasized more on classroom infrastructure rather the teaching quality. Many reputed medical colleges found it quite difficult to fulfill the requirements, laid down by the MCI.

India Legal News: Basic Reforms Required to Enhance Medical Education

The specification of basic and broad minimum standards is required, for innovation and development so that medical education is implemented in sync with the requirements in this country. Let’s not forget, the right to life and health is a fundamental right. of our vast and diverse country. For the same reason, we can’t compromise on the quality of medical education in India.

The new authority replacing the MCI should have two independent units, one for the purpose of medical education and another to administer medical practice. The medical professionals comprising the new governing body should be held accountable for any negligence on their part in medical education standards or any unethical practices.