The National Medical Commission (NMC) has notified the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (GMER-23). These regulations shall come into force from 2nd June, 2023.
These regulations set forth new guidelines for medical institutions and deemed universities to improve the quality of undergraduate medical education and ensure the overall welfare of students. The regulations aim to create a comprehensive and competent curriculum, promote competency-based medical education, encourage self-directed learning, and maintain high ethical standards.
According to the GMER-23, all concerned medical institutions and deemed universities have the responsibility to partner with the National Medical Commission in the following areas:
a. Implementing an appropriate curriculum: The institutions must adopt a curriculum that provides high-quality and affordable undergraduate medical education. The goal is to produce competent physicians who can provide comprehensive healthcare as the first point of contact.
b. Emphasizing practical skills and ethics: The curriculum should prioritize training in clinical and practical skills, complemented by theoretical knowledge. There should be a focus on developing a positive attitude, ethical conduct, and effective communication skills among students.
c. Encouraging self-directed learning: Institutions should encourage students to engage in self-directed learning, which includes gaining basic knowledge of human health, including indigenous healthcare systems in India. Additionally, aspects such as Yoga, healthy living, and stress management should be incorporated to promote harmony, peace, and well-being among students.
d. Transparent assessment: Regular and transparent assessment of medical education imparted by institutions across the nation is essential to meet global standards. This evaluation process will help identify areas for improvement and ensure the delivery of quality education.
Additionally, the guidelines stress the need for medical colleges to offer a variety of choice-based credit courses to produce well-rounded medical graduates. The courses should align with the outcomes specified by the regulations.
Furthermore, the rules address the conduct of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). The National Medical Commission may conduct the NEET-UG itself or designate an agency or authority for the task. The language, manner, and modalities of conducting the NEET-UG will be determined by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB).
To ensure fair admissions, eligibility criteria state that no student shall be eligible to pursue graduate medical education in India or abroad without scoring the minimum eligible score in the NEET-UG exam. Strict consequences are outlined for medical institutions that admit students in contravention of these regulations, including fines and reduction in the number of seats.
The guidelines also emphasize the submission of final lists of admitted students to the UGMEB within specified timelines and require medical institutions to follow the minimum standards of requirements (MSR) for undergraduate medical education.
Student welfare is given significant importance, and the guidelines mandate the prevention and prohibition of ragging in medical colleges and institutions. Additionally, students should have an elected association and representation in decision-making processes that affect their welfare.
