New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the dissolution of the Delhi Medical Council (DMC), citing serious allegations of irregularities and misuse of authority. The decision, taken on Tuesday, follows a proposal submitted by the Delhi Health Department and has sparked a major shake-up in the regulation of medical practice in the capital.
In his official order, Saxena directed the Health Department to initiate the process for reconstituting the Council and to ensure that the exercise is completed within two months. During the intervening period, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will oversee the council’s responsibilities, including doctor registrations and disciplinary actions.
The Delhi Medical Council is the statutory body formed under the Delhi Medical Council Act, 1997, with the mandate to regulate allopathic medical practice in Delhi and ensure adherence to ethical standards. It also serves as the sole authority to adjudicate complaints of medical negligence and misconduct within the territory.
According to a report by PTI, the L-G’s decision comes in the wake of accusations that the Council had unilaterally extended the retirement age of its Registrar from 60 to 65 years without seeking prior government approval. Furthermore, it allegedly extended the Registrar’s tenure by another year from December 1, 2024, prompting scrutiny.
The Council, in response to a showcause notice issued earlier this year, had claimed the official in question had resigned with immediate effect. However, the Council reportedly failed to provide further documentation or clarification, leading the L-G to conclude that it had “exceeded” and “abused” its statutory powers.
“The Delhi Medical Council has acted beyond its authority under the Act and failed to justify its decisions. Accordingly, I concur with the proposal of the Health Department for dissolution of Delhi Medical Council as approved by the Hon’ble Chief Minister,” Saxena stated in the order, as reported by The Indian Express.
The DMC currently consists of 25 members, including elected representatives from the city’s registered allopathic doctors, government nominees, medical faculty members, and former officials. Until the Council is reconstituted, the L-G has allowed two ex-officio members to remain and instructed that DGHS assume the role of the Registrar.
