Mumbai : In a move aimed at bolstering healthcare services in underserved regions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) to grant Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit points to doctors who volunteer their services in rural medical camps.
According to a new directive issued by the MMC, 1 credit point will be awarded for every 3 hours, and 2 points for every 6 hours of voluntary work done in medical or surgical camps across rural Maharashtra.
Key Highlights:
- The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to incentivize rural healthcare service, ensuring better access to quality medical care in remote regions.
- There are approximately two lakh registered medical professionals affiliated with the MMC. Doctors are required to renew their licenses every five years by earning CME credit points, typically through academic training and conferences.
- Under the revised system, voluntary services — including free medical camps, surgeries, and community outreach programs — will now also count toward the required credits.
Institutional Backing
This decision is supported by a wide network of over 4,500 hospitals, including those under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, charitable trusts, and government medical colleges.
So far, over 9,500 community health camps have been conducted under the supervision of the Chief Minister’s Relief Cell, the Charity Commissioner, and the National Health Mission (NHM).
Government Statement
A release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated:
“This step not only incentivizes doctors to contribute to the healthcare of marginalized communities, but also ensures a broader and more engaged medical workforce dedicated to social welfare.”
The initiative is expected to boost participation from urban-based doctors and specialists in rural healthcare delivery, ultimately helping bridge the urban-rural health divide.
