The Indian Medical Council

The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2012

Sir, the Indian Medical Council Act was originally brought in 1956. It has been working extremely well for almost 50 to 55 years. Subsequently, prior to 2010, for five to six years, the CBI has been overviewing it and a couple of times, the Medical Council of India has been raided. It is obvious that everything was hushed up and managed and it was allowed to do all kinds of malpractices and things like that. The Government and the Ministry have become mere spectators. Even in 2010, when the Bill was finally brought, action was taken by the CBI, based on which the then President was arrested. It is really surprising to note that the whole thing has not happened overnight, like a magic. Fine, it has happened. The Ministry brought it before the House for ratification and asked for one year's time to form a proper Council again in a democratic way, particularly representing the whole country. It is really unfortunate that the hon. Minister is bringing it again and again. Last year, he brought it for taking one more year's extension. I am really unable to understand it. Are our Ministry and the Government so weak? Are we not in a position to reestablish a democratic autonomous body? Is the Government doing it for backdoor control? In fact, it reminds me of a small joke. When I was studying in intermediate, for two years I could not see a movie other than 'Yadon Ki Barat'. There was only one movie for continuously two years. Like that, the Ministry is coming every year for seeking extension. Ad hocism, as it is, is very bad. Moreover, if we see all over the world, our Indian doctors have got special quality and capability. Their foundation was extremely good. Our education system, particularly health care, is very important from our country's point of view. So such things are definitely not acceptable. By any chance, if the Prime Minister decides to run the whole country single handedly, is it possible? Is it possible without delegating powers and without creating autonomous institutions? This is really unfortunate to come to such a stage. In fact, in the last two years, so many scams have unearthed. There was no mention of any of these scams. The same story, the same saga have been continuing. There is no reply from the Minister. What is the guarantee that it will be completed in the next year also? We are not able to understand it.

I strongly oppose this Bill. Getting more time again shows the inefficiency of the Government. Thank you.

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The Indian Medical Council

Government Bills - The Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2012

Mr. Deputy Chairman, Sir, the Indian Medical Council (Amendment) Bill, 2010 has been introduced to substitute the related Ordinance which was issued when the Parliament was not in Session. Though the hon. Minister has explained the reasons, but in my opinion, undoubtedly, where planned elective surgery could have been done, Government has opted for a bypass emergency surgery.

Sir, the Medical Council of India has been functioning as an autonomous body for more than half-a-century and had contributed to the growth and excellence of the medical profession and our doctors have made a mark not only in India but globally. The Indian qualified doctors are amongst the most respected and reputed professionals globally.

Sir, the Ordinance contains provisions that a Board of Governors of the Indian Medical Council be constituted. This Board would supersede the Medical Council. This was, probably, necessitated due to the recent events and allegations as stated by hon. Minister. Being one of the most ancient noble and reputable professions that is totally dedicated to the cause of mankind it had adversely impacted the doctors in India and Indian doctors globally. Should there be any truth in the allegations made, the steps proposed by the Amendment should have been effected decades earlier than to let the issues brew and go out of proportions.

Sir, in the Medical Council the president enjoyed unlimited and unchecked authority maybe due to centralization of power with one person. It is not clear whether this Ordinance incorporated any provision to prevent the recurrence of earlier situation.

Sir, the Board of Governors should have proper representation across the country along with some ex officio Government and private members.

Sir, in the reconstituted Council, necessary provisions may be introduced based on the present-day requirements, with a provision for periodical review of the decisions taken by the MCI and all the decisions of the MCI, specially relating to any concessions or deviations, to be put on a national website. It should have a real-time dynamic website to exhibit transparency and to regain the lost confidence.

I also feel that the syllabus has to be updated periodically. I think, they are doing it after five or ten years' gap. Most of our medical students are facing that problem. In addition to that, equipment used is old. The Medical Council of India is still using specifications of old machinery, whereas today, technology is advancing very fast. Thank you, Sir.

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