The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Bill, 2019 was proposed in Lower House by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare dated 27 June 2019. It amends the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, and swaps the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Second Ordinance, 2019 which was announced on 21 February 2019. The Act sets up the Medical Council of India (MCI) which regulates medical education and practice. Provisions of this Bill come into existence from September 26, 2018.
The provision of the bill
- Supersession of the MCI: The 1956 Act provides for supersession of the MCI and its re-formation within three years from the date of its supersession. In the interim period, the Act requires the central government to form a Board of Governors, to exercise the powers of the MCI. The Bill amends the Act to lessen the time period for the supersession of the MCI from three years to two years.
- The Act provides for the Board of Governors to consist of up to seven members including renowned persons in medical education, appointed by the central government. The Bill amends this provision to increase the strength of the Board from seven members to twelve members. Further, it allows for persons with proven administrative capacity an experience to be chosen in the Board. The Bill provides for the Board of Governors to be assisted by a Secretary-General appointed by the central government.
