PIB Summary- 23th September, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Medical Commission (NMC) Receives 10-Year Recognition from WFME for Excellence in Medical Education

Context
The National Medical Commission (NMC) in India has received a prestigious 10-year recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), signifying the highest standards in medical education and accreditation. This recognition underscores NMC’s dedication to maintaining top-tier standards in medical education and accreditation. WFME’s accreditation program is crucial in ensuring that medical institutions adhere to and maintain the highest international education and training standards.

About the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)

• World Medical Association
• World Health Organization
• Regional organizations of medical schools and academic teachers
• International Federation of Medical Students Associations

Global Medical Education Enhancement

• Dedicated to improving the quality of medical education worldwide.

Standard Development

• Developed and published global standards for various levels of medical education.
• Guidelines for distributed and distance learning in medical education.

Benefits of WFME Accreditation

• All 706 existing medical colleges in India will attain WFME accreditation.
• New medical colleges established in the next decade will automatically be WFME accredited.

Global Mobility

• Indian medical graduates can pursue postgraduate training and practice in countries requiring WFME recognition (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).

Enhanced Reputation

• Boosts international recognition and reputation of Indian medical schools and professionals.

Academic Collaboration

• Facilitates academic collaborations and exchanges.

Continuous Improvement

• Encourages ongoing enhancement and innovation in medical education.

International Appeal

• Makes India an attractive destination for international students due to globally recognized standards.

About National Medical Commission (NMC)

• The National Medical Commission (NMC) is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing medical education and profession in India.
• The NMC was established in 2019 under the National Medical Commission Act, replacing the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI).

Composition

• The NMC consists of a Chairperson, members, and ex-officio members appointed by the Central Government.
• The Chairperson and members include eminent medical professionals, academicians, and experts from various fields related to medical education and practice.

Autonomous Boards

• The NMC comprises autonomous boards responsible for specific areas such as undergraduate education, postgraduate education, medical assessment and rating, ethics and medical registration, and continuing professional development.

Reforms and Objectives

• The NMC was established to bring about significant reforms in the medical education sector, promote transparency, improve the quality of education, and ensure the availability of competent medical professionals.
• It aims to address challenges in medical education, bridge gaps, and align education with evolving healthcare needs.

Functions and Responsibilities

• Regulating Medical Education: The NMC sets standards, guidelines, and regulations for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in India.
• Assessing Medical Institutions: It conducts inspections and assessments of medical colleges and institutions to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.
• Granting Recognition: The NMC grants recognition to medical qualifications and degrees obtained from Indian and foreign institutions.
• Promoting Ethical Practices: It establishes and enforces ethical standards and guidelines for medical professionals.
• Conducting Common Entrance Examinations: The NMC conducts a common entrance examination called the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India.
• Oversight and Quality Assurance: The NMC monitors the quality of medical education, training, and research to maintain high standards in the healthcare sector.

Asia Pacific Forum

Context
Recently, the President of India inaugurated Annual General Meeting and Biennial Conference of the Asia Pacific Forum on Human Rights in New Delhi.

About Asia Pacific Forum

• Foundation: Established in 1996.
• Objective: Provides a unified platform for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) across the Asia Pacific region.
• Challenges: Addresses some of the most pressing human rights issues in the Asia Pacific region.
• Membership: Consists of 17 full members and eight associate members.
• Indian Involvement: India has been a full-time member since 1996.
• Membership Criteria: Full membership requires adherence to the minimum international standards outlined in the Paris Principles. NHRIs that partially comply are granted associate membership.
• Admissions: Decisions regarding new member admissions are made by the Forum Council.
• Key Goal: Facilitates the establishment of independent NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region and provides support to its members to enhance their effectiveness.