NEW DELHI: In the very first session of the new Lok Sabha starting June 17, the Union government plans to reintroduce a key bill which aims to usher in mega reforms in the medical education sector.The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, which was introduced in December, 2017, lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha.Following the formation of a new government after the general elections, the Union Health Ministry would have to again initiate the legislative process, and for that a fresh draft Bill would be put before the Cabinet soon, official sources said. "The official amendments were approved by the Cabinet and moved to the Lok Sabha separately. Now the NMC bill has been redrafted and the amendments as suggested by the parliamentary panel have been incorporated. Further, it was clarified that the fee would also include all other charges taken by the colleges.The amendments also stated that the final MBBS examination would be held as a common exam across the country and would serve as an exit test called the National Exit Test (NEXT).Thus, the students would not have to appear in a separate exam after MBBS to get license to practice. NEXT would also serve as the screening test for doctors with foreign medical qualifications in order to practice in India, the health ministry had earlier said.

Source: Economic Times June 10, 2019 10:41 UTC