Vacancies in the National Medical Commission: An Overview
Current Status of Approved Positions
New Delhi: Recent data disclosed by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Anupriya Patel in the Rajya Sabha reveals that nearly one-third of the approved positions within the National Medical Commission (NMC) are unfilled. The total sanctioned strength across the NMC and its autonomous boards stands at 54 posts, of which 35 are currently occupied and 19 remain vacant. Among the vacant positions are the roles of Presidents of the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) and the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB).
Details of Vacant Positions
The vacancies extend to various boards, including two whole-time and two part-time members of the NMC UG board, two whole-time and one part-time members of the PG Board, as well as two whole-time and one part-time members of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board. Additionally, there are two whole-time and two part-time vacancies in the Ethics and Medical Registration Board.
According to the Ministry, the NMC itself has 33 sanctioned positions, with 28 filled and 5 vacant. The Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) has 5 sanctioned posts, but only 1 member is currently serving, resulting in 4 vacancies. Similarly, the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) also has 5 sanctioned posts, of which 2 are occupied and 3 are vacant. The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) has 5 sanctioned positions, with 2 filled and 3 vacant. The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) mirrors this situation, having 5 sanctioned posts but only 1 member in position, leaving 4 vacancies.
Parliamentary Inquiry and Minister’s Response
Minister Patel provided this information in response to queries from parliament member Shri Vivek K Tankha, who sought clarification on the sanctioned strength of the NMC and its autonomous boards as outlined in the National Medical Commission Act of 2019. Tankha also inquired about the current status of vacant posts, the NMC’s capacity to fulfill its statutory duties regarding medical education, ethics, accreditation, and disciplinary control in light of these vacancies, and any delays or regulatory gaps that may arise.
In her response, Patel confirmed that the NMC has a sanctioned strength of 54 positions, with 19 currently vacant. She assured that the NMC has established institutional mechanisms to maintain its regulatory responsibilities in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, ethics, and accreditation, as per the National Medical Commission Act. Patel emphasized that the process of filling these vacancies is ongoing, with actions taken in accordance with the provisions of the Act, including the issuance of advertisements to attract candidates.
Summary of Incumbency Positions
The following table summarizes the incumbency status of the National Medical Commission and its Autonomous Boards:
| Type of Post | Sanctioned Strength | In-position |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 33 (Chairman – 01, Ex-Officio – 10, Part-time members – 22) | 28 (Chairman – 01, Ex-Officio – 08, Part-time members – 19) |
| Secretary, NMC | 01 | 01 |
| Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) | President – 01, Whole-Time Members – 02, Part-Time Members – 02 | Part-Time Member – 01 |
| Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) | President – 01, Whole-Time Members – 02, Part-Time Members – 02 | President – 01, Part-Time Member – 01 |
| Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) | President – 01, Whole-Time Members – 02, Part-Time Members – 02 | President – 01, Part-Time Member – 01 |
| Ethics & Medical Registration Board (EMRB) | President – 01, Whole-Time Members – 02, Part-Time Members – 02 | Part-Time Member – 01 |
| Total | 54 | 35 |
Conclusion
The issue of vacant positions within the NMC highlights the challenges faced in the effective governance of medical education and regulatory frameworks in India. Efforts to fill these vacancies are crucial to ensure the NMC’s compliance with its statutory duties as mandated by the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.