Health Minister confirms limited practice license to Mid-level Healthcare practitioners under National Medical Commission

New Delhi: Through a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare confirmed about the power of impending National Medical Commission to grant limited licence to practice medicine at mid-level as Community Health Providers to such persons connected with modern scientific medical profession.

The minister, Shri Ashwani Kumar Choubey, was responding to a question raised by MP Dharmapuri Shrinivas on the modifications of the provisions of the NMC Act. The MP questioned that whether Government has taken note that some of the provisions in the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act are detrimental to the patients as the Act provides eligibility to the unqualified persons to practice medicine with pursuing simply a five months bridge course, and so needs to be reconsidered, asking for details

Responding to the question, MOS health stated that there is no provision in the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 which provides for eligibility to unqualified persons to practice medicine after pursuing five months bridge course. Practicing of medicine by unqualified persons has been prohibited in the NMC Act.

"Section 34 of the NMC Act, 2019 prohibits persons other than a medical practitioner enrolled in the State Register or the National Register to practice medicine. Contravention of the said provision shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five lakh rupees or with both."

On question being raised on the issue of strengthening public health, the minister further added that section 32 of the NMC Act, 2019 prescribes that the Commission may grant limited licence to practice medicine at mid-level as Community Health Providers to such persons connected with modern scientific medical profession. The qualifying criteria for Community Health Providers, extent of practicing medicine, circumstances and period shall be specified by the Commission in the regulations. Creation of the cadre of Community Health Providers will help in strengthening the preventive and promotive healthcare in the country.

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