View PDFThe National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 is a Bill to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine in all parts of the country; that promotes equitable and universal healthcare that encourages...
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 is a Bill to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine in all parts of the country; that promotes equitable and universal healthcare that encourages community health perspective and makes services of such medical professionals accessible to all the citizens; that promotes national health goals; that encourages such medical professionals to adopt latest medical research in their work and to contribute to research; that has an objective periodic and transparent assessment of medical institutions and facilitates maintenance of a medical register of Indian System of Medicine for India and enforces high ethical standards in all aspects of medical services; that is flexible to adapt to the changing needs and has an effective grievance redressal mechanism and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on January 07, 2019 and was later referred to the Standing Committee on January 11, 2019. The Standing Committee Report is expected to be issued by January 30, 2019.
A few highlights of the Bill are as follows:
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute a Commission, to be known as the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, to exercise the powers conferred upon, and to perform the functions assigned to it, under this Act. The Commission shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and shall, by the said name, sue or be sued. The Commission shall perform the following functions, namely:
• lay down policies for maintaining a high quality and high standards in education of Indian System of Medicine and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
• lay down policies for regulating medical institutions, medical researches and medical professionals and make necessary regulations in this behalf;
• assess the requirements in healthcare, including human resources for health and healthcare infrastructure and develop a road map for meeting such requirements;
• frame guidelines and lay down policies by making such regulations as may be necessary for the proper functioning of the Commission, the Autonomous Boards and the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine;
• ensure coordination among the Autonomous Boards;
• take such measures, as may be necessary, to ensure compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the guidelines framed and regulations made under this Act for their effective functioning under this Act;
• exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to decisions of the Autonomous Boards;
• ensure observance of professional ethics in Medical profession and to promote ethical conduct during the provision of care by medical practitioners;
• exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be prescribed.
ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute an advisory body to be known as the Advisory Council for Indian System of Medicine.
• The Council shall be the primary platform through which the States and Union territories may put forth their views and concerns before the Commission and help in shaping the overall agenda, policy and action relating to medical education, training and research.
• The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to determine and maintain, and to coordinate maintenance of, the minimum standards in all matters relating to medical education, training and research.
• The Council shall advise the Commission on measures to enhance equitable access to medical education.
The Bill provides additional details on National Examination; Constitution of Autonomous Boards; Recognition of Qualifications of Indian System of Medicine; Grants, Audit, and Accounts; Power of Central Government to give directions to Commission and Autonomous Boards; Power of Central Government to give directions to State Governments; Information to be furnished by Commission and publication thereof; Obligation of Universities and medical institutions; and Completion of courses of studies in medical institutions.
To read the entire official Bill in detail, please view the file attached herein.