Education, Careers & Professional News
After AIIMS, Ramadoss eyes Medical Council of India
Source
DNA India.New Delhi
Date
2006-07-10
Information
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss may have suffered a set back from the Delhi High Court over his controversial move to destroy the autonomy of the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), but his next move is to subjugate another autonomous body, the Medical Council of India (MCI).
The move to destroy MCIs autonomy and virtually turn it into an extension of the health ministers office will have far-reaching implications across the country, particularly in Maharashtra and the southern states. The MCI, established by an Act of Parliament in 1956, recommends the recognition of medical colleges, determines courses of study in medical colleges, inspection of examination and maintenance of register of medical practitioners in the country.
With the governments intention to increase seats in medical education by 2007 to silence the anti-quota agitators, the role of the MCI is going to be more significant than ever.
Ramadoss has prepared an Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill 2005 and is hoping that Parliament will pass it in the coming Monsoon session. The bill is currently being examined by the 35-member Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health.
DNA has accessed the draft bill. Sample the provisions: Section 3(A) of the draft bill says on and from the date of commencement of the Indian Medical Council (amendment) Act, the existing Council stands dissolved and all the members shall vacate their offices. The Central Government will appoint a Board of Administrators of five members, till a new Council is constituted.
Even if a new Council is elected, the Council and its members will be dependent on the health minister. Section 30(A) says the central government may remove the president, vice-president or the members of the Council on grounds of misconduct or incapacity. But who takes over if they are sacked? The draft bill says powers and duties shall be exercised by such persons as the Central government may appoint. Its even easier to throw out the nominated members and that too on the ground that they failed to comply with the governments direction.
How is this autonomous body supposed to act? Section 30C(I) says in discharge of its function under the Act, the Council shall be guided by directions given to it by the central government in public interest. But who decides what is in public interest. The Bill says the health minister does. In case of a dispute whether a question relates to public interest or not the central governments decision is final.
Theres more. If the health ministers feels that the Council is not working as per his whims either willfully or without sufficient cause in complying, the government can dissolve the executive committee or such other committees and appoint such persons to exercise its powers.
Under Section 33 of the proposed bill the health minister will also have the powers to make any new rule for the MCI or amend its existing rules. What if the Council sends a dissenting note to the minister? The Central government may itself make regulations or amend or revoke the regulations made by the council.