The Union Minister of State for Health, Smt. Anupriya Patel, recently addressed the Rajya Sabha to clarify the importance of yearly inspections for medical colleges. In her statement, she emphasized that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has no plans to implement a multi-year approval system for medical institutions. According to her, the annual renewal system is designed to ensure medical colleges consistently adhere to high standards, benefiting students and improving the quality of education.
The topic arose during a discussion initiated by MP Shri Vivek K. Tankha, who raised concerns about the fairness of the current policy. He argued that requiring medical colleges to seek approval every year disrupts their long-term planning and affects the stability needed for growth. He proposed the introduction of a multi-year approval system to ease this burden and promote steady development in the sector.
In response, Minister Patel explained that the NMC, under the framework of the NMC Act, 2019, requires these inspections as part of its effort to maintain transparency and high educational standards. The process ensures that institutions are regularly evaluated to meet the evolving demands of medical education.
We are facing a lot of issues in physical assessments. To protect the dignity of doctors and ensure fairness, the new portal will bring more transparency to the NMCDr. B. Srinivas, NMC Secretary
A Move Towards Digital Transparency
While rejecting the idea of multi-year approvals, the NMC has been proactive in modernizing its oversight mechanisms. Earlier this year, the Commission announced a shift from physical inspections to a more efficient, data-driven approach using the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS).
Explaining this transformation, NMC Secretary Dr. B. Srinivas said: “We are facing a lot of issues in physical assessments. To protect the dignity of doctors and ensure fairness, the new portal will bring more transparency to the NMC.”
The AEBAS system captures real-time attendance data for faculty members, making it accessible to the NMC anytime. This eliminates the need for manual inspections and minimizes the chances of data manipulation. With this technology, medical colleges are now under what Dr. Srinivas referred to as "digital supervision," reducing reliance on outdated methods while maintaining accountability.
The biometric system has been welcomed as a groundbreaking step in reducing the administrative burden on institutions. By digitizing compliance, the NMC aims to foster trust and efficiency in its regulatory process.
Why Annual Inspections Matter
Minister Patel explained that the annual approval process plays a vital role in maintaining accountability and driving continuous improvement. She stated, “Annual renewal ensures a transparent assessment of clinical resources and faculty within institutions.”
These inspections allow the NMC to verify whether medical colleges have the necessary infrastructure, qualified staff, and other essential resources to provide quality education. Patel also highlighted that the system is designed to protect the interests of students, ensuring their education is never compromised.
Although critics argue that a multi-year approval framework could bring stability to institutions, the NMC believes the current system’s flexibility allows for swift corrective actions. The yearly reviews ensure institutions stay aligned with the latest requirements, helping address deficiencies promptly and effectively.
Balancing Challenges and Opportunities
While the policy has faced criticism for being resource-intensive, the introduction of AEBAS has eased many of these concerns. By automating compliance tracking, colleges can now focus on meeting benchmarks without the logistical hurdles of traditional inspections.
Dr. Srinivas captured the essence of this shift, stating: “With this portal, institutes will be out of ‘inspector raj’ and will be digitally driven.”
The new approach reduces the scope for human error, eliminates subjectivity in assessments, and promotes transparency. For medical colleges, this means less disruption and a greater focus on delivering quality education.
Annual renewal ensures a transparent assessment of clinical resources and faculty within institutionsSmt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Health
A Vision for the Future
Though the annual inspection policy may seem rigid, it reflects the NMC’s steadfast commitment to ensuring excellence in medical education. The integration of advanced tools like AEBAS underscores the Commission’s efforts to modernize its processes while staying true to its mission.
This combination of rigorous oversight and innovative technology promises to create a balanced regulatory environment—one that fosters trust, accountability, and a shared vision of delivering world-class medical education. As India continues to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, the NMC’s approach ensures they are trained in institutions that prioritize both quality and integrity.
By focusing on continuous improvement and embracing digital tools, the NMC is setting a new standard for regulatory practices in medical education, paving the way for a future where accountability meets innovation.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)