British Medical Journal calls for radical revamp of MCI
The British Medical Journal (BMJ) in its latest issue has called for a radical revamp of the Medical Council of India (MCI) in order to eliminate corruption and lack of ethics in healthcare.
- This observation is based on the parliamentary standing committee report which was submitted to the Rajya Sabha recently.
- In its report, BMJ has also said that the MCI has failed to create a rigorous transparent system for accrediting medical colleges, leading to geographical maldistribution and creation of ‘ghost faculties’ in private medical colleges.
Background:
The parliamentary standing
committee, in its report, had pointed out the MCI’s failure to oversee quality
and integrity in health services in the country.
- The committee had criticised the MCI for being a biased organisation, acting against larger public health goals. It described the Council as an “exclusive club” of medical doctors from corporate hospitals and private practice.
- The committee had called for extensive reforms in the MCI and removal of roadblocks to the Common Medical Entrance Test for admission to MBBS and PG courses.
- BMJ had launched a campaign against corruption in the health sector in 2014. The journal published articles on kickbacks for referrals from doctors, revenue targets at corporate hospitals, and capitation fees in private medical colleges in India.
Way ahead:
The centre now will have to
muster strong political support to act on the committee’s recommendations as
this will inevitably involve hurting well entrenched and powerful interests.
About MCI:
The Medical Council of India
(MCI) is the statutory body for establishing uniform and high standards of medical education
in India.
- The Council grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical schools, grants registration to medical practitioners, and monitors medical practice in India.
- The Medical Council of India was first established in 1934 under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1933. The Council was later reconstituted under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 that replaced the earlier Act.
Important functions performed
by the council:
- Establishment and maintenance of uniform standards for undergraduate medical education.
- Regulation of postgraduate medical education in medical colleges accredited by it.
- Recognition of medical qualifications granted by medical institutions in India.
- Recognition of foreign medical qualifications in India.
- Accreditation of medical colleges.
- Registration of doctors with recognized medical qualifications.
- Keeping a directory of all registered doctors (called the Indian Medical Register).
