The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023) and Recognition of Medical Qualification Regulations, 2023 (Recognition Regulations 2023). To assist stakeholders in navigating these regulations, a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) has been released. These FAQs were published on January 5, 2024.
The following are the key highlights of the MSMER-2023 and Recognition Regulations 2023:
1. Applicability Date: MSMER-2023 has come into effect from 19th September 2023. The Recognition Regulations 2023 is applicable from 29th December 2023.
2. Who is Affected: All stakeholders, including every institution and medical college under the jurisdiction of NMC, are subject to both these regulations.
3. Annual Disclosure Report Format: The format for the Annual Disclosure Report under MSMER-2023 is available in Annexure VII, pages 60 to 64, on the NMC website. However, modifications to this format may occur over time.
4. Uploading of Annual Disclosure under MSMER-2023: After establishment, medical colleges or institutions must upload the annual disclosure in accordance with notifications provided by the corresponding Boards (UGMEB or PGMEB).
5. Additional Information Requirement under MSMER-2023: The concerned Board may request additional information related to the establishment, functioning of the college, or MSR/CBME, as deemed necessary for assessment.
6. Areas of Evaluation under MSMER-2023: Evaluation criteria encompass various aspects, including physical infrastructure, faculty qualifications, clinical material, teaching methodology, assessment methods, and other parameters related to medical education standards.
7. Time Frame for Data Submission under MSMER-2023: Data must be submitted to the concerned Board or NMC not later than 30 days from the receipt of communication. The college should be prepared with the required information once the batch of students is ready for admission.
8. Consequences of Non-compliance: Failure to submit information within the prescribed time may result in penalties, and remedial measures will be considered by the concerned Board after joint meetings with other Boards/NMC.
9. Outcome of Compliance: Successful compliance leads to the issuance of a renewal certificate by the concerned Board, allowing the continuation of courses and admission of students for the upcoming academic year.
The following additional FAQs are relevant Recognition Regulations 2023:
10. Implications of Recognition Regulations 2023: Recognition implies acknowledging degrees/qualifications awarded to already permitted seats in a college. However, compliance with the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023), dated 19th September 2023, is necessary for the continuation of recognition.
11. Accreditation and Recognition Defined: Accreditation refers to the recognition of a course for the award of a degree/qualification conducted by a college affiliated to a UGC-recognized university. Recognition, with the publication of these regulations, means recognizing the degree/qualification awarded to already permitted seats in a given college under its affiliated university.
12. List of Recognized Qualifications: The list of recognized qualifications to practice allopathic medicine in India can be found in Chapter 2; Clause 5 of the Recognition Regulations, dated 29th December 2023.
