(The Gist of PIB) Cabinet approves Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Bill to be introduced in the ensuing Parliament Session [JUNE-2019]

Cabinet approves Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Bill to be introduced in the ensuing Parliament Session

Reforms in the field of Medical education so as to give a push to the goal of a quality health coverage to the citizens of India has been one of the major pillars of the NDA Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Keeping the spirit alive and to fulfil yet another promise of the Government, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved theIndian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2019 to replace the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019 through an Act of Parliament. The Bill will be introduced in the ensuing session of the Parliament.
The move will ensure transparency, accountability and quality in the governance of medical education in the country.

The New Bill provides for supersession of MCI for a period of two years w.e.f. 26.09.2018.
During this period, the Board of Governors shall exercise the powers and functions of MCI asassigned under the IMC Act, 1956.
The number of members in the Board of Governors will be increased from existing 7 to 12.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had come across certain arbitrary action by MCI in disregard to the provisions of the IMC Act, 1956 and regulations made thereunder.
Further, the Oversight Committee constituted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court to oversee the functioning of MCI had also cited instances of non-compliance of their instructions and subsequently, all members of the Oversight Committee tendered their resignation.