Bill would create national commission to regulate health education standards

It establishes a National Commission for Human Resources for Health to regulate standards of health education and supervise professional councils to ensure adequate availability of health professionals across India.

Who it concerns: The Bill affects health educational institutions (including foreign ones), health professionals (doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics), existing professional councils (Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Paramedical), and the Central and State Governments.

What the bill does

• Establishment of the National Commission for Human Resources for Health.
• Constitution of the National Board for Health Education to approve courses and conduct examinations.
• Creation of the National Evaluation and Assessment Committee for quality control and inspection of health institutions.
• Constitution of new National Councils (Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Paramedical) and State Councils to replace existing ones.
• Mandatory enrolment of health professionals in National or State Registers to practice.
• Regulation of foreign health educational institutions entering India.
• Provision for penalties for establishing institutions without permission or contravening enrolment rules.
• Power of the Central Government to supersede the Commission, Board, Committee, or National Councils.

Also in the document

• The Bill includes provisions for offences and penalties, including for companies and societies.
• It provides for the repeal of existing laws related to the councils mentioned in the First Schedule.
• The Act extends to the whole of India.
• It includes transitory provisions for officers and employees of existing councils and the National Board of Examinations.